New Zealand Railway History: Introducing New Zealand Railways Passenger Services

Monday 28 August 2023

Introducing New Zealand Railways Passenger Services

Introducing New Zealand Railways passenger services

This undated folded A4 colour leaflet appears to have been published in 1985 given the descriptions of services (recently refurbished 56ft car for the Wellington-Gisborne express, which appeared late 1984, but the Wellington-Masterton-Palmerston North train was operating, but was cancelled in 1988). It was aimed at overseas visitors. Note the exchange rate of NZ$1.65 to A$1, which made New Zealand a cheap visit for some!

It covers all long distance services, stating the highlights are the Silverfern, the interisland ferry (branded Searail by this time), the Wellington-Gisborne express and the Christchurch-Greymouth express. It also notes some key coach services.

It notes the Silverfern and newer coaches are air-conditioned, but interestingly explains that New Zealand's climate does not require air conditioning, but are still very comfortable. It also highlights the Arahura as the latest ferry, being its flagship.

The onboard service on all trains is described, highlighting the morning and afternoon teas on the Silverfern with a stop for lunch at Taihape. The Northerner depicts photos of the "day cars" and a woman sleeping on a pillow for sleepers. The buffet car food is described as being "filled rolls, sandwiches, pies, sausage rolls" with tea, coffee and fruit juice, and liquor.

The Christchurch-Picton and Wellington-Gisborne expresses are described with wall-to-wall carpet, fluorescent lighting and wool covered seats, and although without buffet cars, there are refreshment stops. The Christchurch-Greymouth express is described as being similar to the Picton-Christchurch express, and the Southerner with a buffet car serving snacks. Auckland and Wellington local services are briefly mentioned, along with services between Wellington and the Wairarapa, which do not have reserved seats.

Fare discounts are described.

A page on NZR Road Services summarises services, with a fleet of over 400 coaches, many of which are air-conditioned Volvos with reclining seats and stereo system. Organised tours, day trips and excursions are also mentioned. A separate page depicts NZR Road Services "Thrifty Tours" being NZR managed organised tour services.

NZR Travelpass (allowing unlimited travel within a set period by rail, road and sea) is promoted.

A stylised map is depicted on the other side, which unfortunately my scanner won't scan in one document. The map depicts the rail and coach network connected by ferries. Notably it indicates that A$1 = NZ$1.65 which is a remarkable difference in currency values at the time (supporting it being dated around 1985 following devaluation in 1984 and subsequent floating of the NZ dollar).

Finally there is a description of facilities on the ferries Arahura and Aratika (the only passenger ferries at the time).