New guided tours and short break-packages coming to GJNZ’s TranzAlpine
The new Scenic Plus experience on the TranzAlpine will take rail tourism to a new level, KiwiRail’s general manager Scenic Journeys Tracey Goodall said.
“This summer we have introduced new short break-packages and guided tours travelling on our three scenic train journeys, and now we are further elevating our tourism offering with Scenic Plus experience, starting initially on the TranzAlpine route,” Goodall said.
Scenic Plus currently includes:
- Host service
- Regionally inspired cuisine paired with local wine and beer
- Private outdoor viewing carriage exclusively for Scenic Plus guests
- Premium boarding and luggage check in.
“It’s another way for travellers to enjoy the iconic TranzAlpine journey through the foothills of the Southern Alps and into the rugged West Coast. It offers a relaxed, inclusive experience that involves delicious regionally inspired meals, prepared in our brand-new kitchen galley car, matched with local wines and beers.
“There is a dedicated passenger carriage and viewing carriage; and the entire journey will be hosted by one of our staff, while enjoying the dining experience they will bring the experience to life with local stories and insights.
“People will still be able to book standard TranzAlpine tickets, however Scenic Plus offers international and domestic travellers a more boutique and personalised experience in an exclusive carriage.
“There is a major growing international market for rail tourism with a demand for high-quality products. With New Zealand borders now fully reopened, we are excited to relaunch the premium Scenic Plus offering and deliver a personalised, regionally inspired cuisine experience to our travellers.”
The Scenic Plus experience is now available for booking on the TranzAlpine and will begin on 14 April 2023. A new dedicated Scenic Plus seating carriage with large panoramic windows is expected to be introduced on the TranzAlpine next summer to complete the upgraded experience.
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