Riding the TranzAlpine – New Zealand’s Most Scenic Train Journey

The TranzAlpine Train is one of the great journeys of New Zealand and a must-do for anyone visiting the South Island. Running between Christchurch on the east coast and Greymouth on the wild West Coast, this trip takes you through a landscape of rolling plains, soaring mountains and thriving rainforest. Whether you start in Christchurch or Greymouth, the scenery is equally spectacular, making it a relaxed, scenic and unforgettable way to cross Aotearoa.

🌄 Why Ride the TranzAlpine?

The TranzAlpine is often described as New Zealand’s most scenic train journey and it lives up to the hype. Along the way you’ll see:

• 🌾 The Canterbury Plains – wide farmland framed by the distant Alps.
• 🌉 Waimakariri Gorge – dramatic river valleys and towering viaducts.
• 🏔️ The Southern Alps – snowcapped in winter, beautiful in summer.
• 🌲 West Coast Rainforest – dense bush opening out to rugged coastline.

The journey is about more than just scenery. With panoramic windows, comfortable seating, GPS commentary, climate-controlled carriages and a café on board, you can simply sit back, sip a coffee and watch the country transform outside your window.

📍 The Route & Highlights

• The TranzAlpine runs both ways between Christchurch and Greymouth. Whether you start in the east and head for the wild Coast or begin your journey in Greymouth and travel back to Christchurch, the scenery is just as breathtaking.
• Greymouth → Christchurch: Start from the gateway to Te Tai Poutini – the West Coast, passing through lush rainforest before climbing into the Southern Alps and descending across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
• Christchurch → Greymouth: Begin on the flat plains, climb through the Alps at Arthur’s Pass, and finish in Greymouth, where you can continue on to Punakaiki Rocks, Hokitika or Franz Josef Glacier..

🕐 Journey Details

• Duration: Around 4 hours 50 minutes each way (223 km).
• Frequency: Daily in summer; reduced to 4 days a week in winter.
• ✅ One-Way: Take the train to or from Greymouth, then continue by car or camper.
• 🔄 Return: Do the full round trip — start in Christchurch and return the same day or begin in Greymouth and loop back in the afternoon.
• Best Time to Travel:
  • ❄️ Winter – snowcapped peaks and icy rivers.
  • 🌸 Spring/Summer – wildflowers, bright green valleys, long daylight hours.
  • 🍂 Autumn – rich colours across the high-country valleys.

🍷 Scenic Plus – The Premium Way to Ride

If you want to make your TranzAlpine journey truly unforgettable, upgrade to the Scenic Plus Package. This premium option transforms the trip from a scenic train ride into a world-class travel experience.

Settle into spacious seating with panoramic views while friendly staff serve chef-prepared meals right to your seat. Each dish is crafted to reflect the regions you pass through, paired with complimentary New Zealand wines, craft beers and hot drinks. Add in priority boarding, extra comfort, and personalised service and you’ll see why Scenic Plus is worth every cent.

It’s the perfect choice if you want to relax in style while soaking up the dramatic beauty of the Southern Alps and West Coast — the journey becomes just as memorable as the destination.

🎟️ Booking the TranzAlpine

Tickets can be booked directly or as part of a package. Prices vary by season and trains often sell out in summer, so booking ahead is recommended.

• ✅ One-Way: Many travellers take the TranzAlpine one way, then pick up a campervan or car in Greymouth to explore the Coast.
• 🔄 Return: If you’re short on time, a same-day return trip from Christchurch lets you experience the full route in one day.
• 🍷 Scenic Plus Package: For a truly special experience, upgrade to Scenic Plus. This includes chef-prepared meals served at your seat, New Zealand wines and beers, and enhanced service throughout the journey. It’s more expensive but the comfort, food and atmosphere make it well worth the upgrade.
• 💡 Tohu Tip: Sit on the left-hand side heading west for the best mountain views or head to the open-air carriage for photography.

✨ Final Thought

The TranzAlpine isn’t just a way to get from A to B — it’s a bucket-list journey through the heart of the South Island. Crossing from the east coast to the west in just under five hours, you’ll see landscapes that capture the true spirit of Aotearoa — wild, beautiful and ever-changing. Whether you’re starting your West Coast adventure or just want to experience one of the world’s most scenic railways, the TranzAlpine is a journey you’ll never forget.

👉 Want to make the most of your trip? Explore TranzAlpine tours and packages here

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.