Great Journeys New Zealand has officially brought its premium dining experience to the Northern Explorer scenic train journey between Auckland and Wellington. The premium dining experience features local food sourced in line with its “paddock-to plate” philosophy and commitment to celebrating authentic local flavours while showcasing North Island landscapes, experiences and stories along the route.
Local councillors, iwi, and tourism representatives were among guests who joined members of the Great Journeys New Zealand and KiwiRail teams at Wellington Railway Station early this morning (Wednesday) for the official launch of the train’s premium food and beverage service.
They were treated to a breakfast of some of the culinary delights that can now be found onboard the Northern Explorer as part of the Scenic Plus service.
“Part of our sustainability promise is to ensure benefits extend to regional New Zealand,” says Adele Wilson, KiwiRail General Manager of Customer and Growth. “Scenic Plus dining is part of a range of tourism offerings, including our popular packages and tours, which highlight regional tourism and off-the-beaten-track experiences.”
Demonstrating this commitment, passengers who boarded the Northern Explorer today were greeted at Ohakune Station by iwi, Visit Ruapehu and iSITE team members, as well as special guests from the Ohakune Railway Museum and NZ Tourism Awards ‘People’s Choice’ winner Forgotten World Adventures. They shared some 'live tales' of the area with customers and dignitaries onboard the train.
After leaving Ohakune Station the passengers received fresh Ohakune carrots, marking the town’s status as the carrot capital of New Zealand, along with a special edition copy of the Ruapehu Bulletin.
They were also treated to a welcome by mana whenua, supported by National Park School, at Waimarino National Park; and at Taumarunui, were received by community members and the Taumarunui iSITE team.
Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton welcomed the launch, saying: "The Northern Explorer is a critical tourism link for the Ruapehu District, and the addition of the Scenic Plus premium dining experience will help attract more people to experience the fantastic visitor activities and experiences our region has to offer.”
The Scenic Plus service was first launched earlier this year on the TranzAlpine scenic train between Christchurch and Greymouth, followed by the Coastal Pacific service between Picton and Christchurch.
The premium service has received fantastic reviews.
KiwiRail received funding through the Provincial Growth Fund in 2019 for the Northern Explorer new kitchen carriage.
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