For the past 150 years, KiwiRail has been an integral part of New Zealand, connecting communities and transporting goods and people throughout the country. In April 2023, they embarked on a new venture, Great Journeys of New Zealand, offering travellers a unique experience of authentic flavours of rural New Zealand while enjoying breathtaking views across separate routes across New Zealand, the first, TranzAlpine ( all one word) from Christchurch to Greymouth return, with 2 more of the carriages to be rolled out, one on the Coastal Pacific from Christchurch to Picton return, and one on the Northern Explorer from Wellington to Auckland return.

Southern Hospitality had the opportunity to work closely with KiwiRail on this unique project for their kitchen carriage. This project started with our initial conversation with the KiwiRail team, during which they shared their vision for the kitchen, as they had already engaged a design company that was close to completing the design. KiwiRail wanted a reliable partner to bring their unique design to life while ensuring that their engineering team install this kitchen, as the covid-19 pandemic was a challenging time for everyone and KiwiRail wanted to support their team during this difficult time.

Southern Hospitality's team worked hand-in-hand with KiwiRail to develop a solution for delivering passengers meals, at specific points along the journey, out of a former British Passenger Car that was being re-engineered in the Hutt Rail Yards in Wellington.

First, we worked with the client to establish a process around cooking and regeneration, then once the method and equipment were established, we had to make it fit. It was like solving a jigsaw puzzle; every piece had to fit perfectly. Any mistake could hinder the crew’s ability to work efficiently in the kitchen and deliver food to the customers, considering the limited time gap between trips. Our goal was to ensure safety for all involved and that food was delivered properly and in perfect condition.

The interior of the carriage features extensive stainless-steel work done by our project stainless team in Wellington, including intricate custom elements to hold heavy equipment and big drawers for the crockery and kitchen utensils to fit perfectly, which showcases KiwiRail's commitment to food preparation and delivery without compromising on space.

We carefully considered every aspect to make this project a success. We supplied Skope fridges that hold special racks (similar to the airline food delivery models), mounted Skope freezers, and Startline under-counter dishwashers, all customized to fit KiwiRail's needs. We even modified Turbofan ovens to slide open, eliminating any concerns about doors causing hazards while the kitchen crew works. We also carefully measured the space to ensure there are no problems when delivering food with trolleys.

In addition to the larger equipment, Southern Hospitality also supplied all necessary everyday tools, from utensils to appliances, and the everyday needs of the kitchen were carefully considered and addressed. Quality control and safety were a huge priority and it's impressive to think, that 90% of this was made in New Zealand, a testament to the workmanship of New Zealanders.

If you want to experience the natural landscapes of the South Island, book your next trip with Great Journeys New Zealand Scenic Plus Journey.

The Southern Hospitality Project Team would love the opportunity to talk to you about your specific needs. Our experience extends across our team of previous chefs and hospitality workers who understand your space. No matter how large or small, we will find the best solution for your needs, space, and budget. Contact us today or check out some of our projects showcased in Our Work.