One of the world’s great train journeys, traveling coast to coast through forests and farmland and through the spectacular Southern Alps. The TranzAlpine operates a daily return service between Christchurch and Greymouth. From the comfort of world-class carriages, you will see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. The train then climbs into the majestic Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass National Park, before descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth, a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the always-popular glaciers.
While on board enjoy the journey in award-winning world-class carriages with specially designed seats. Awaken your senses in the open air viewing decks or sit back and enjoy the GPS triggered audio commentary available through headphones at every seat. All trains have a licensed café carriage providing snacks and light meals.
See Availability.
Christchurch Railway Station, Addington, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
08:15 AM
4 hours 50 minutes(approx.)
164 MacKay Street, Greymouth 7805, New Zealand
Infants must sit on laps
Wheelchair accessible
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Wheelchair accessible, please advise at time of booking if travelling with a wheelchair
Stroller accessible
Please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to scheduled departure and check in at the station to receive your boarding pass
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
This train passes through the Southern Alps, please dress for the alpine conditions
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Posted By : 375marys375
Spectacular scenery on this 4 hour train ride. The train is clean and the ride is smooth. There is a food car with packaged food and drink options. The train was full for most of our journey so the open air observation car was too packed to enjoy. But the large windows in the passenger cars offer nearly as good a view. Free earphones are provided so riders can listen to periodic recordings about the terrain and history. Recordings are available in English and mandarin. Service is very good with employees walking through to collect rubbish frequently.
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Posted On : 2024-04-26
Posted By : Trip711795
This was the vacation of a lifetime and this trip was certainly one of the highlights. We travelled from Christchurch to Greymouth and returned the same day. The staff on board were very attentive and served delicious meals and drinks for most of the trip! There was an excellent commentary from a historical and environmental perspective which was extremely interesting. The scenery was spectacular and I would recommend this trip without hesitation.
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Posted On : 2024-04-23
Posted By : hubbabubba96
I booked a routine scenic package from Christchurch to Arthurs Pass. After some hiking, I returned to Christchurch the same days.
First the views are amazing. I enjoyed the open viewing car for certain parts., especially on the return trip from Arthurs Pass to Christchurch when the train was emptier. The staff was very kind and friendly.
Certain things I did NOT like…
There was a large group of Chinese tourists. They were loud and I could not hear any of the announcements made from the staff. They would come into our seats to take photos. Finally, when I was in the open car, I was pushed and one person actually rested his long lens camera on my shoulder and elbow on my hand to take photos.
I asked him to please not touch me but he either did not understand me or ignored me so I had to push him off.
Let me also state I am asian myself.
Maybe announcements need to be made in other languages about staying in your assigned seat and no physical touching.
The ride from Arthurs Pass back to Christchurch was much quieter so was able to see more of the views in peace.
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Posted On : 2024-04-22
Posted By : Russell_T
We did not get to experience the trip due to a blockage in the tunnel at Arthur's Pass. Had to hire a car in Chch to get to Greymouth. So, we can't comment further.
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Posted On : 2024-04-09
Posted By : Pooja_S
Highly recommended. Amazing views with mountains and valleys. Food was delicious and has many options
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Posted On : 2024-04-08
Posted By : KMBH-NZ
Lakeside Romantic Getaway is great value for money & such a great experience- really could do with a name change from “romantic” though to appeal to a broader market.
We were part of a group of six couples who all thought this was a fantastic experience. The morning tea on the train was great & the afternoon tea on the way back was great too- very generous.
Hotel Lake Brunner picked up from the train & took up back the next day.
Dinner & breakfast was included & the meals were large & generous.
Lovely platters were also included for the afternoon & they were beautiful presented & generous. The hot pool was fantastic & generous with our time allocation.
Our accommodation was great with comfortable beds.
The train ride with allocated seating was really good.
We enjoyed walks around the lake & village.
The absolute highlight of the trip
though has to be the staff especially all the staff at the hotel & the train staff especially Matthew.
We highly recommend this wonderful package.
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Posted On : 2024-04-06
Posted By : CHRISTINA_S
The scenery is amazing. The service is fantastic. Food choices nice but goes quickly so take snacks if you can
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Posted On : 2024-04-05
Posted By : Keianne13
We left Christchurch on a grey, cloudy day and were worried that the weather would spoil the views. However, once in the Alps, the clouds lifted and the scenery was truly spectacular. We were in Scenic Plus and were well looked after by Carla and her colleagues. There was an informative commentary at key points throughout the journey and accessing the open-air carriage provided a fabulous place for taking in the views and photography. The food, both breakfast and lunch, was tasty and plentiful and the whole trip lived up to its reputation as "one of the world's greatest rail journeys". Highly recommended.
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Posted On : 2024-04-05
Posted By : spenceleysUK
We only did the journey to, and from, Arthur's pass, from Christchurch, which is definitely the more spectacular half of the scenery. We had paid for 'scenic plus', which provided a menu for food - served airline style on fold down seat trays, and a private open-air viewing carriage. We were a little surprised to discover that other people seemed to have an even more expensive option, which provided a table, and slight improvements on the food, so do be careful if booking 'scenic plus'.
The views along the journey were superb. The food was fine, but was not really worth the additional cost.
We enjoyed the journey, but the viewing carriage aside, 'scenic plus' was not really worth the extra.
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Posted On : 2024-04-04
Posted By : EK_G
Excellent 5 hours train ride with scenic view on the way to Greymouth from Christchurch.
The staff in the train station are very helpful and my query solve in time.
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Posted On : 2024-03-26
