Photo: Philip SomervilleWestland Mayor Bruce Smith is leading a bid to take the TranzAlpine tourist train to Hokitika. He says extending the famous rail journey south from the historic terminus at Greymouth would boost economic growth in Hokitika. A concept document has now been circulated among Hokitika businesses and stakeholders to encourage buy-in. "By extending the train journey to Hokitika, KiwiRail could encourage these 6000 daily tourists to take the train. Hokitika businesses were encouraged to back the idea with letters of support, because of the "significant economic benefits" the rail tourism bid would bring to the district.

Source: Otago Daily Times October 30, 2017 01:41 UTC