Passenger trains are back running through the Southern Alps after fire forced a six-week closure of the Midland Line.
The newly reopened TranzAlpine service will bring relief to West Coast businesses who depend on them for survival.
KiwiRail CEO Peter Reidy said the quick reopening was down to the actions of the fire service on Waitangi weekend.
"It could have been catastrophic for New Zealand. They spent hours and hours making sure our infrastructure was safe."
But not everything could be saved. The 300-hectare scrub fire severely damaged seven bridges along the rail line.
One passenger described the damage as "quite shocking", while another said it was "pretty, pretty devastating".
The trains bring all-important customers for the local businesses and revenue to the tune of $15 million every year.
Gina Ashworth from Greymouth i-Site said there had been a "huge financial impact" from the train's closure, "especially as its been over February and March, which is when Greymouth tourism is booming and that's when we make a lot of our money, which holds us through the winter months".
Newshub.
