State Highway 1 along the whole South Island east coast reopens; 'Marlborough Flyer' train running this summer season

A picture of an excursion on the Marlborough coast with Ab 608 before the November 2016 earthquake.

Today marks the official reopening of State Highway 1 along the Kaikoura Coast.

A limited service freight train schedule on what is called the Main North Line between Picton and Christchurch recommenced in September after closure following damage in November last year's big earthquake off the Kaikoura Coast. There is still more work on the line needed.

The inaugural trip of presently the only scheduled passenger train, a steam heritage operation, took place on 1 December and more runs between Picton and Blenheim are planned: "For the inaugural season 2017/2018, the Marlborough Flyer will operate on selected Cruise Ship Days and on selected 'Super' Sundays. (In addition to Special Charters and Private Events)."

The published schedule for the Marlborough Flyer which is using Ab 608 Passchendaele and cars on loan from Steam Inc. is on the website here