The Tranz Alpine Train

The Tranz Alpine Train is well regarded as one of the world’s most famous train journeys and travels a magnificent route across the South Island between Christchurch and Greymouth, taking in some of the country’s best scenery en route.

The train leaves Christchurch, heading west over the Canterbury plains before ascending though the breath-taking river valleys and gorges of the Waimakariri River towards the Southern Alps and on to Arthurs Pass where Theres a short stop off before you re-board and continue on, through the Otira gorge and the lush alpine rainforests to Greymouth.

The journey is a great inclusion as part of your New Zealand tour, giving you chance to take a break from driving and make the most of the scenery, and we usually recommend it as part of a South Island itinerary (from Greymouth, you can pick up a rental vehicle and continue down the West Coast and on to the glaciers) however, it’s also possible to take a day trip on the train from Christchurch to either Arthurs pass or Greymouth, and return to Christchurch in the afternoon.

All the carriages are centrally heated and air conditioned and provide exceptional views from panoramic and side windows . Each saloon carriage includes a GPS triggered commentary at your seat via headphones plus information displays and videos about the history and features of each area you travel through. We thoroughly recommend this trip!

• The wonderful landscape contrasts from the plains of Canterbury to the rainforest of  the West Coast
• Walks in the Otira valley,  Arthurs Pass National Park
• Not driving!