All aboard the Coastal Pacific scenic train

In contrast to our nationwide chicken, we Kiwis are famend for flying far and broad in quest of the right vacation vacation spot. With worldwide journey all however not possible, many people might be visiting components of Aotearoa for the primary time. Not only a type of transport, this Coastal Pacific prepare journey has me reconsidering how we discover our nation.

The Nice Journeys of New Zealand brings collectively the Coastal Pacific, Northern Explorer and TranzAlpine trains with the Interislander Cook dinner Strait ferry right into a seamless connection between the North and South islands. For my journey, I rode on the Coastal Pacific prepare from Christchurch to Picton within the new Scenic Plus class.

We arrived on the Christchurch Railway station at 6:30am, checking in was a breeze and our massive baggage had been positioned within the baggage carriage. Stepping on to the prepare, I used to be impressed by the standard of the cabins. The massive panoramic home windows prolong to the highest of the carriage and the seats are very comfy. Most of the employees on this prepare are former flight attendants made redundant resulting from Covid-19. Their stage of service is world-class and an asset to the corporate. The hosts’ information and energetic personalities made the journey each entertaining and informative.

This journey takes 5.5 hours from Christchurch and we arrived in Picton round 12:40pm. Headphones are supplied with accompanying GPS-controlled audio commentary from Newstalk ZB’s Raylene Ramsay. This supplies an fascinating perception into the historical past of small-town New Zealand with some enjoyable info to take residence. For instance, there’s the story of Nonoti within the Waiau Valley. Legend has it that the native MP was requested to call the world however he responded “No, not I”.

The Coastal Pacific passes rugged mountains, distant seashores, idyllic countryside and vineyards. The panorama is various as was the climate on our tour. I walked right down to the open-air carriage as we handed by Lake Grassmere and the sunny vineyards of Blenheim. Whereas the sunshine breeze is calming, I would extremely suggest bringing antihistamines to keep away from allergy signs.

The transient showers added to the dramatic nature of the surroundings, notably as we approached the beautiful Kaikōura shoreline. We noticed seals on the rocks and we’re informed that dolphins and whales are sometimes seen. Because of the 2016 earthquake, a large fault line and uplifted seabed is seen alongside the shoreline. The rocks are lined with sunbleached algae that had lived metres underwater. This eerie reminder of nature’s energy is one thing I will not overlook.

Our journey ends in Picton, on the backside of Queen Charlotte Sound. Whereas some continued on to Wellington through the Interislander ferry, we spent the next day having fun with this quaint seaside city. Picton is residence to a set of artwork galleries, mountain climbing trails and Oxley’s Gastro Pub. Being a small city, the prepare station, city centre and port are all inside strolling distance.

Like all food and drinks on this service, the regionally-inspired menu is delivered to your seat, as you chill out and benefit from the spectacular views. The sunshine breakfast included a chia and coconut pudding topped with a berry compote and toasted hazelnuts. This was adopted by scones for morning tea and later a Whitestone cheese board. My favorite dish was the coastal canapes accompanied with the native wine choice.

On our return to Christchurch, there’s the selection of Marlborough salmon or Pure South lamb served on a gourmand potato salad. A visit to the cafe carriage was pointless after devouring Wigram macarons earlier than departing. A collection of teas, espresso, beer and juice are on provide. Vegetarian choices can be found and you’ll ensure that you will not be going hungry.

The Scenic Plus expertise on the Coastal Pacific is a singular method to see New Zealand with out the difficulty of driving or discovering locations to eat. This journey gave me a greater appreciation of New Zealand’s numerous landscapes and a few perception into our nation’s historical past. For many who desire a extra inexpensive choice, there’s the usual scenic class for many who choose to carry their very own meals or eat from the on-board cafe. That stated, the elevated value is price it in alternate for the improved carriage, considerable scrumptious meals and desk area.

Though you do not have the liberty to cease as you please, rail journey takes the trouble out of planning and it is appropriate for all ages. The soothing sound of the prepare, tasty meals and superb surroundings makes this one for the want checklist. All aboard!

The Coastal Pacific runs till April. For extra info go to https://www.greatjourneysofnz.co.nz

For extra New Zealand journey concepts and inspiration, go to newzealand.com