The 7.8 magnitude North Canterbury earthquake on 14 November 2016 caused numerous landslides that destroyed parts of the railway line in the Kaikoura district . KiwiRail suspended the train service , which had been due to operate until May 2017 , for the rest of the 2016 – 17 season . It was announced on 1 August 2018 that the service would resume on December 1
7.8 magnitude North Canterbury earthquake
2016 Kaikoura earthquake
Coastal Pacific