Interislander has joined forces with Destination Marlborough and Nelson Tasman Tourism to launch a campaign for people looking to ditch the winter blues for blue sky days in Marlborough and Nelson. The ‘Make a Memory in Marlborough and Nelson’ winter campaign begins today and will run through June and July.

The winner of KiwiRail Scenic Journeys’ very popular Facebook photo competition has been named with Christchurch local, Andy Lukey, taking out the top prize of $1,000 cash and $1,000 travel with KiwiRail Scenic Journeys. Mr Lukey’s portfolio, captured on the Coastal Pacific train journey from Christchurch to Picton, was the strongest of the 12 photographers who competed in the final of the competition.

Fares for the Capital Connection will increase for all travel from 1 May 2013. The last fare increase for the service was on 1 November 2011.

KiwiRail has today announced that the Coastal Pacific train between Picton and Christchurch will operate as an extended summer service in the seven months between October and April. This seasonal service is expected to be in place while Christchurch rebuilds its tourism infrastructure.

KiwiRail has today announced that it will continue to operate the Capital Connection service for another two years before making a final call on whether or not it will be closed.

KiwiRail Scenic has launched its new Waitomo and Hobbiton Escape package for the Northern Explorer train between Auckland and Wellington.

One of the world’s great scenic train trips has just become even better, following the introduction of KiwiRail’s brand new scenic carriages to the iconic TranzAlpine journey between Christchurch and Greymouth.

KiwiRail is increasing its fares for the Coastal Pacific train service between Christchurch and Picton to bring it into line with fares for the Northern Explorer and TranzAlpine trains. 

KiwiRail’s new Northern Explorer train service between Auckland and Wellington will have two more stops added to the timetable at Papakura and Paraparaumu to accommodate for the large catchments of people in Auckland South and Wellington North.

“Use your brain, tracks are for trains” is the new safety message being delivered throughout the country for this year’s Rail Safety Week.

The campaign is aimed at reducing the amount of trespassing and improving pedestrian safety around the rail network.

MEDIA STATEMENT

KiwiRail has been considering seeking a partner for its long-distance Scenic passenger services since April last year.

KiwiRail’s all new Northern Explorer train service was launched today, departing Britomart Station in Auckland with its first passengers.

KiwiRail’s new North Island train service, which will begin service in the middle of this year, has been given a new name – Northern Explorer.

KiwiRail apologises for the widespread disruption on the Auckland rail network this afternoon caused by a  power outage in its National Train Control Centre in Wellington.

KiwiRail is making changes to the train service between Wellington and Auckland to transform the service into an internationally recognised tourism product. The Overlander currently runs a daily service during summer months and three days a week during winter using carriages that are up to 60 years old.  The new service, which will be rebranded and will use new purpose built carriages, is planned to begin operation on Monday 25 June.

From 11 May to 11 September, KiwiRail’s Coastal Pacific train service between Christchurch and Picton will operate a reduced winter timetable. The return service will run on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday only, which are typically the most popular days for travel.

As a result of extensive mechanical issues with the English Electric trains that operate on the Johnsonville line and customer calls for more service consistency, a decision has been made by Greater Wellington Regional Council and Tranz Metro to use a combination of trains and express bus services in the morning peak to assist with reduced capacity on trains until Matangi are introduced on the line on Monday 19 March.