KiwiRail hopes to have the alpine rail line linking the South Island coasts back in operation in a few days.
The line between Christchurch and Greymouth, and the route through the Buller Gorge to Greymouth, have been cut off following storm damage earlier this week.
KiwiRail says the route between Christchurch and Greymouth is due to re-open in the middle of next week allowing the Tranz Alpine passenger train and freight services to resume.
A spokesperson for KiwiRail also says the section of rail running through the Buller Gorge has been badly affected and the terrain is too difficult for workers to get in to repair the track.
The line, which provides a transport route for coal from the Westport area to Greymouth, may not resume operation for another week.