After an almost five-month break, one of the world's greatest train journeys is back running in New Zealand.
KiwiRail's TranzAlpine service resumed running between Christchurch and Greymouth on Friday.
"The TranzAlpine is our best-known and most successful tourism train service," said KiwiRail General Manager for Scenic Journeys and Commuter Rail Tracey Goodall in a statement.
"The onboard crew, and all of KiwiRail, are delighted to have the TranzAlpine running again."
The service was stopped in August due to the COVID-19 level 4 lockdown but can operate in green and orange levels in the traffic light system.
"Since the pandemic began two years ago, it’s been very difficult for tourism operators around the world and in New Zealand,” Ms Goodall says.
"Our two other services have been suspended indefinitely as they were no longer viable with borders closed. We’re working on options that we believe will be more appealing and we’ll make announcements about those in due course.
"KiwiRail has always believed that the TranzAlpine had the best chance of succeeding even with borders still closed. We understand that many New Zealanders are still looking for safe and fun things to do and we want to be able to provide an opportunity to show off some of the beauty New Zealand has to offer."
KiwiRail said they will offer full refunds in the event that COVID cancels the service.
They warn that with the service returning motorists and pedestrians need to take extra care around level crossings and the rail corridor.
KiwiRail is offering $20 child fares until February 7 using the promotional code KIDS20.
