One of the world’s greatest train journeys, travelling coast to coast through forests and farmland and through the spectacular Southern Alps. The TranzAlpine operates a daily service between Christchurch and Greymouth. From the comfort of world class carriages travel from the West Coast town of Greymouth through lush beech rainforest before arriving at Arthur's Pass National Park. Then travels through the majestic Southern Alps, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. You will then see the fields of the Canterbury Plains before arriving at the final destination of Christchurch.
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.
164 MacKay Street, Greymouth 7805, New Zealand
02:15 PM
4 hours 50 minutes(approx.)
Christchurch Railway Station, Addington, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Wheelchair accessible
Infants must sit on laps
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Wheelchair accessible, please advise at time of booking if travelling with a wheelchair.
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to scheduled departure and check in at the station to receive your boarding pass
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 experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Posted By : LightPacker723006
They cancelled the service and didn't bother to let me know. They said they emailed me but I never received one. Only found out train was canceeled when we arrived ay Greymouth Station. All they could say was would you like a refund or to book another day? They couldn't care less if you had booked accomodation at the other end and flights too.
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Posted On : 2024-04-10
Posted By : ScrumptiousSolent
We did the scenic plus experience from Greymouth to Christchurch which included a served lunch. The journey is long (2:15pm to 7pm) but it went quickly thanks to the scenery (especially on a clear day) which is stunning.
We had two forward facing seats within a bay of 4 (the other two are left empty deliberately) and a table.
We enjoyed a meat platter for lunch and a two course hot dinner. Both were served with complimentary soft drinks/wine/beer/hot drinks for the duration of the journey.
You can also access a private outdoor carriage to take photos without the windows in the way.
We went one way having dropped our hire car off at Greymouth and that was a great decision. You can place your luggage in a separate luggage carriage (up to 23kg per person allowed) and you can carry on a backpack/bag of up your 7kg.
A great way to enjoy seeing the countryside without driving!
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Posted On : 2024-04-05
Posted By : christinemccartney
Standard tickets were sold out so we had to fork out for "scenic-plus". Glad we did! It was trip highlight. Crisp white napkins, unending bubbly, great service and a lovely lamb stew.
The 5-hours of scenery was unforgettable - simply SPECTACULAR. Being a photographer, my bliss was standing in the 'open viewing carriage' where you can take photos through open windows not hampered by reflective glass. It was a sensory delight being out there, smelling train smells, whipping through tunnels, across gravel riverbeds and mountains, the wind in your hair!
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Posted On : 2024-04-04
Posted By : Chitra_S
The entire journey through the Alps was unforgettable! Very picturesque and peaceful. I throughly enjoyed both ways of the journey!
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Posted On : 2024-03-31
Posted By : Elizabeth M
I made my reservation & ordered my ticket online before leaving home ( US)
I also booked my bus tickets ( I used InterCity) to get from Queenstown to Greymouth, with a few nights stop at Franz Joseph.
From Greymouth I opted to get off of train at Arthur’s Pass for a day getting back on the train the next day in the afternoon.
Trains are very clean and comfortable. Offer a beverage and snack cart.
There is an open air compartment where you can take photos.
See so much spectacular landscapes through the big windows.
I had a really good experience & recommend adding this experience to your travels in beautiful New Zealand.
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Posted On : 2024-03-23
Posted By : Susan K
From beginning to end the experience was one of a kind. Traveling through the southern alps of New Zealand by rail was fun, exciting and beautiful. The train was clean, and the services with the scenic plus services were excellent.
Beware if you are taking a taxi after you depart the train. We got into a car with a taxi sign. The driver said his meter was broken and was using his iPhone as a meter. He initially wanted to charge $55, when my husband questioned him about this he said okay $45. We found out later at the hotel that the typical charge for the distance should have been closer to $20.
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Posted On : 2024-03-20
Posted By : Julie_C
The trip was worth doing and views were stunning and varied and very much worth it. The train crew efficient and friendly. The ticketing experience not so warm, wanted to confirm return journey was correctly booked but staff brushed off saying it should be fine… I said I needed a bit more than that as I was flying out next day… not too happy… but came through in the end with return ticket printed. I would have been happy to return booking confirmed but pleased to have ticket in hand.
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Posted On : 2024-03-15
Posted By : mhane7066
Fantastic views and easy train to catch. lots of room seats could be a bit more comfortable for the 6hour trip otherwise loved it.
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Posted On : 2024-03-11
Posted By : TrevorF545
This rail journey is very much worthwhile, with epic scenery. The train is modern and clean and has viewing carriages for taking pictures. We were able to take a scenic plus seat which we thought was great value, as the food and beverages were top class. Service was friendly and professional and without fault. An excellent trip! We would have preferred not to have the shared dining table seats, but others may enjoy the company and slightly extra leg room.
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Posted On : 2024-03-09
Posted By : Shuyuan_C
When I got off from Arthurs Pass they didn't bring down my luggage, I went up to find it myself. And when I checking in I left my phone on the counter, the staff hand it to the next customer luckily I returned immediately and got my phone back.
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Posted On : 2024-03-09
