NZ train service restored

The Coastal Pacific, a train connecting Picton to Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island, is scheduled to resume service in December 2018 after being shut down for track repairs following the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake. The roughly 7-hour journey follows the island's east coast and makes stops in Rangiora, Kaikoura and Blenheim.

A Flexi Pass, which allows hop-on, hop-off privileges at all stops on the day of validity, costs NZD159 (near $107), one way. For info, visit www.greatjourneysofnz.co.nz/coastal-pacific.