Ep 1. Kiwi Rail

Mighty Trains season 2 episode 1 takes viewers on an exciting ride through New Zealand's stunning landscapes with Kiwi Rail. This episode is all about the train service that connects the North Island with the South Island over the Cook Strait.

The show starts with a brief history of New Zealand's railways, which were built during colonial times to transport goods across the country. The terrain in New Zealand is unique with lots of mountains, fjords, and rivers. It makes train transportation challenging because of the varied types of tracks required.

The narrator then explains that the Kiwi Rail is the only inter-island service in New Zealand. It runs a ferry service between the two islands and provides a rail service that connects the major cities on both sides. Kiwi Rail operates two inter-island ferries: the Kaitaki and the Kaiarahi. The Kaitaki is the largest ferry in the fleet, and it can carry up to 1,350 passengers and 550 cars. The Kaiarahi is a smaller vessel that can carry up to 510 passengers and 120 cars.

After the introduction, we see the Kaitaki arriving at the Wellington terminal. The narrator explains that the ferry journey between Wellington and Picton takes about 3.5 hours. We get to see the loading process, where the cars and trucks drive onto the ferry, and the passengers board the vessel. The crew is very efficient, and the loading process is completed in less than an hour. Once the ferry is fully loaded, it starts its journey across the Cook Strait.

During the ferry journey, we get to see the passengers enjoying the facilities on board. There are restaurants, bars, and play areas for children. The scenery is breathtaking as the ferry cruises through Cook Strait, with its narrow passages and ferocious currents. The narrator explains that the strait is one of the most dangerous stretches of water in the world, and that the engineers who built the inter-island service had to take this into account when designing the ferry service.

Once the ferry arrives in Picton, the train service is waiting to take passengers to Christchurch. The train service is called the Coastal Pacific, which is a scenic journey that takes you through the beautiful countryside of New Zealand's South Island. The train consists of 17 carriages, and it can carry up to 380 passengers. It is powered by two locomotives at the front, and a third at the back, which provides extra power.

The journey from Picton to Christchurch takes about 5 hours, and it is considered to be one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. The train travels through wine country, majestic mountains, and dramatic coastlines. The skilled engineers on board the train have to navigate some of the most challenging terrain on the planet. The narrator explains that every time the train goes through a tunnel, the driver has to use a small camera to check for any obstacles on the track.

During the journey, we get to see the train stopping at some of the most beautiful and remote stations in New Zealand. The train service also stops at Kaikoura, where passengers can enjoy whale watching on the Kaikoura coast. The narrator mentions that the Coastal Pacific service was suspended for a few years following the 2016 earthquake that rocked the region. After some repairs and improvements, the service resumed in December 2018.

The episode concludes in Christchurch, where the train service ends. The viewers get a glimpse of the busy city, which was devastated by an earthquake in 2011. The narrator remarks that despite the challenges, Kiwi Rail has kept the inter-island service going, providing a vital link between the two islands of New Zealand. The service is not just important for transportation; it is also a unique way to experience the stunning landscapes and natural wonders of New Zealand.

Overall, Mighty Trains season 2 episode 1 is an excellent introduction to Kiwi Rail and its inter-island ferry service. The episode showcases the beauty of New Zealand's landscapes and the challenges of running a train service in such a unique environment. The show is a must-watch for anyone who loves trains, travel, and stunning scenery.