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Coastal Pacific

Coastal Pacific
CP-Logo-with-byline--800x357.png
Coastal Pacific on Kaikoura Coast.jpg
The Coastal Pacific on the Kaikoura Coast
Overview
Service type Inter-city rail
Status Suspended
Locale Upper South Island, New Zealand
First service 1988
Current operator(s) The Great Journeys of New Zealand
Former operator(s) InterCity Rail (1988–1995)
Tranz Scenic (1995-2012)
KiwiRail Scenic Journeys (2012-2017)
Route
Start Christchurch
Stops 6
End Picton
Distance travelled 348 km (216 mi)
Average journey time 5 hours, 13 minutes
Service frequency Daily each way, "summer" season only
On-board services
Class(es) Tourist Class
Disabled access Wheelchair hoist in café car
Seating arrangements Airline-style
Alcove with table
Catering facilities On-board café
Observation facilities Large windows in all carriages
Open-air viewing carriage
Baggage facilities Overhead shelves
Baggage carriage
Other facilities Toilets
Technical
DX locomotive
New Zealand AK class carriages
Track gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Operating speed 66 km/h (41 mph) average

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The Coastal Pacific is a long-distance passenger train between Picton and Christchurch in the South Island of New Zealand, operated by The Great Journeys of New Zealand. It was called the TranzCoastal from May 2000 until temporarily withdrawn in February 2011. It was the first train to use the new AK class carriages. It is currently suspended due to damage to the rail line from an earthquake on 14 November 2016.

Before the Main North Line was completed, the open sections were served by mixed trains and the Culverden Express. On 15 December 1945 the line was completed and the Picton Express began operating, providing a daily service between Picton and Christchurch. In January 1946 the express was cut to thrice weekly, and its popularity and profitability declined. In February 1956 it was replaced by a more frequent railcar service, using RM class 88-seaters. Falling patronage led to smaller Vulcan railcars being used from 1968 to 1975 with small trains, in summer, sometimes known as the Picton Express. In 1976 at the suggestion of Rangiora MP Derek Quigley, the old former first class cars previously used on the overnight Picton–Christchurch 'Cabbage Train' were transferred to the day express to provide train heating, and several other 56 ft carriages were fitted with heaters to make an economical train. Progressively the old carriages were updated and a buffet carriage was eventually added to replace the Kaikoura pie and tea stop, at the last traditional NZR-style refreshment stop.

In April 2006, Toll NZ announced its intention to sell the TranzCoastal and the TranzAlpine. However, with the purchase of Toll NZ's rail assets in 2008 by the government, these plans never came to fruition. KiwiRail has upgraded the remaining three long-distance passenger services.


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