All About Countries - New Zealand

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Air New Zealand is the national carrier of the country

New Zealand Metro in Wellington

progressively privatized. In terms of profitability, private companies have retained only the most lucrative lines. Until 2003, the national network was owned by Tranz Rail, formerly known as New Zealand Rail Limited. The government regained control of the national grid during the takeover of Tranz Rail by Australian Toll Holdings. The company was then eventually renamed Kiwi Rail. Goods transportation is the dominant activity for railway companies in New Zealand. The cargo

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Tranz Metro Map

handled consists of coal, logs and wood, milk and dairy, fertilizer, container, steel and cars. Passenger transport over long distances is restricted to three lines: TranzAlpine, which links Christchurch to Greymouth, TransCostal, which connects Christchurch to Picton and Northern Explorer, which links Wellington to Auckland. Passenger services also exist on an urban scale for these two cities. Finally, two short intercity lines link the capital with Palmerston North and Masterton. Wellington benefits from its own suburban metro. Tranz Metro is the operator of the suburban railway system in the city of Wellington, capital of New Zealand and its metropolitan area. It is part of Kiwi Rail, the company that operates the network of railways and ferries between the islands of the country. The system comprises 5 lines, with a total length of 194,7 km and 50 stations, several of which serve more than one line. All the lines are electrified, except for the Wairarapa line that operates with diesel locomotives. New Zealand has about 100 airports. Airports are the only entry point for passengers to New Zealand as the island doesn’t have any international liner lines. Auckland airport receives 11 million passengers per year, while the country’s population is around 4 million. Christchurch International Airport welcomes more than 5 and a half million travelers, slightly less than Wellington. These airports are served by Air New Zealand and many other foreign companies. Some minor islands far away from the main islands can only be reached via air.

Port Chalmers in Otago


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