If you’re not a US citizen, you’ll have to jump through a few hoops before you can vacation in the USA.
11.09.2023 - 17:48 / matadornetwork.com
In November 2016, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck and ravaged the region around the town of Kaikoura on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island. The earthquake and the ensuing landslides killed two people, and demolished homes, roads, and railway tracks. Indeed, parts of the Main North Line, one of the most scenic rail routes in the world, slid into the ocean, forcing the Coastal Pacific train to stop its operation. In 2018, the line was repaired and the magnificent train journey between Christchurch and Picton resumed. Today, the Coastal Pacific still runs along the Pacific Ocean, allowing travelers to see New Zealand’s beauty, the slow and comfortable way.
The train travels along the Pacific coast of New Zealand’s South Island, between Christchurch and Picton, in both directions. The train makes three stops along the way in: Rangiora. Kaikoura, and Blenheim. Passengers can book several stopovers if they want to visit the towns along the way.
Note that Picton is the getaway to the North Island, via the Interislander Cook Strait ferry that runs between Picton and Wellington multiple times daily.
The cost of riding the Coastal Pacific does not vary according to demand or the time of the year; however, the price of the train journey changes depending on what class of service you choose upon booking.
There are two classes of service on board the train: Scenic and Scenic Plus, with Scenic Plus being the most expensive option. Passengers who opt for Scenic Plus travel in a separate car, enjoy reclining seats, and are served a complimentary meal and beverages at their seat. Scenic Plus passengers also benefit from more flexibility regarding changes and cancellations.
A one-way Scenic ticket on the Coast Pacific costs $110 (187 NZD) for adults and $73 (124 NZD) for children. A one-way Scenic Plus ticket is $264 (449 NZD) for both adults and children.
Travelers who wish to ride the Coastal Pacific from Christchurch to Picton and back on the same day, can opt for the whole-day Coastal Pacific Day Excursion which costs $176 (299 NZD) for adults and $129 (219 NZD) for children.
To purchase a ticket to ride on the Coastal Pacific, you can visit the Great Journeys New Zealand website.
The Coastal Pacific takes between 5.5 to six hours to travel between Christchurch and Picton. The departure from Christchurch is very early: 7 AM.
The Coastal Pacific does not run all-year-round. It operates Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday starting in September (September 21 in 2023), and daily from mid-December to late April (from December 14 to April 28 in 2023.)
Photo: Great Journeys New Zealand
Scenic Plus passengers enjoy a meal and beverages served at their seat, all included in the price of their ticket.
Scenic passengers
If you’re not a US citizen, you’ll have to jump through a few hoops before you can vacation in the USA.
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