Trains coming – just not right now
The demand for train trips in Taranaki remains strong in spite of it not being possible while social distancing restrictions remain in place, an Auckland travel agent says.
For the past six years Pukekohe Travel have organised week-long train excursions from Auckland to New Plymouth for up to 90 passengers.
Passengers board at Auckland, Hamilton or several suburban stations on the main trunk line to Taumarunui, where they exchange rail for road and bus to New Plymouth on the Forgotten World Highway. After four days and three nights visiting attractions around Taranaki, the group board the train back to Auckland via Palmerston North, staying a night at National Park on the return journey.
The $2375 total cost included travel, accommodation, meals and guided tours.
Pukekohe Travel co-owner Damien O’Connor said the annual excursions in September had always been popular.
‘‘They have always been a lot of fun and people can socialise and relax,’’ he said. ‘‘We are as keen as mustard to get the rail trip up and running again but it is extremely difficult for us with Covid19 restrictions happening to plan anything. ‘‘The restrictions on social distancing make it impossible for any train travel during alert level 2.’’
The rail tours also include separate excursions to the Chateau Tongariro and Kapiti Island, and the Forgotten World Highway using rail carts.
‘‘Covid 19 has stopped everything but there was still an appetite for rail travel to Taranaki,’’ O’Connor said. ‘‘If we can do it again in September we will.’’
KiwiRail has no plans for expanding train travel in the present circumstances and are not running the company’s centre piece Great Journey’s of New Zealand with the TranzAlpine, or Coastal Pacific.
KiwiRail Group chief executive Greg Miller said the company’s current focus was on options for its existing services.
‘‘The only new passenger service currently being developed is a commuter service between Hamilton and Auckland, due to commence later this year,’’ he said.’