All Aboard for Seal Spotting

The Coastal Pacific train journey runs so close to the coast, for nearly 100km between Picton and Christchurch, that along one section of its route you can almost see the whiskers of scores of fur seals lolling on seaside rocks, according to The Australian’s Anthony Dennis. “The train, operated by KiwiRail and formerly known as the TranzCoastal, was suspended for about six months last year following the Christchurch earthquake of 22 February. When it was restarted it had a new name (its original one, actually, dating from the 1980s). The train’s now sporting smart new carriages with panoramic windows (perfect for spotting seals) and comfortable seating. All in all, the Coastal Pacific must rank as one of the great small train journeys of the world.”