TranzAlpine Train Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth

Overview

Available languages

Chinese (Taiwan)

Chinese

English

Mobile ticket

Experience the South Island’s striking natural landscape by taking a train one way between Christchurch and Greymouth. Along this journey you’ll see epic vistas, travel the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, traverse the Southern Alps, and see miles of native beech forest.

Additional Info

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Wheelchair accessible, please advise at time of booking if travelling with a wheelchair

Please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to scheduled departure and check in at the station to receive your boarding pass

This train passes through the Southern Alps, please dress for the alpine conditions

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

What‘s Included

All taxes, fees and handling charges

One way Rail Journey

GPS-triggered audio commentary

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Food and drinks ( available to purchase)

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Excess luggage charges (where applicable)

What To Expect

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.

Options

Scenic Plus

Scenic Plus
Included Food and Beverage

Scenic

Christchurch to Greymouth: 4.5 hour train journey from Christchurch to Greymouth

Reviews

4.38

299 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

191

Really worth the trip
k8mills80,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Super friendly and helpful team. Wonderful comfy train with great carriages including an open carriage for viewing. Enjoyed every minute and would recommend.
Transalpine train
Lynette T,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Views are amazing. Loved this trip. Well worth doing Take photos before Arthur’s Pass going from Christchurch to greymouth
Wrong carriage
Jennifer S,
Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00
Viator managed to send us cattle class instead of the luxury carriage we were expecting. We survived, but it was disappointing.
Great day
carolynsJ4061BI,
Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
Great day. Trip was cut short due to weather. We had the choice to cancel or go to Arthur's Pass and back to Chch. We went and it was well worth it. Rain came in at Arthur's Pass but we saw so much up until then and the cleared on the return trip. Staff were great.
Can get cancelled at...
Sharon,
Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00
Can get cancelled at short notice due to weather. The drive was nice though. Loved seeing the snow capped mountains.
A beautiful commute alternative
JCNZ1973,
Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
A beautiful alternative to driving or flying to travel to the West Coast from Christchurch. Scenery is just lovely and train was comfortable and great to be able to get a coffee and something to eat on board once the cafe was open. Would be stunning in the middle of winter when the snow is all through the passes.
Good does what you would expect.
Mike J,
Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
All good. Have a plan for something to do when you get to Greymouth All fine nice people working on board train Well run train You can see even more on the bus trip back to Christchurch
Breathtaking
janebM9262XR,
Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I am an experienced traveler and this is among the most beautiful trips I've ever taken. The scenery is just gorgeous and goes on for miles and miles, every one as pretty as the last. The train is comfortable with nice staff and some basic food items available in the cafe car. I am not sure for a trip this short that I'd find the upgrade to better food and wine in the "premier" car worth the money, but to each his own. I noted that some people got off at Arthur's Pass, some of those intending to do the return trip back to Christchurch from there. Some question the cost of this but I thought it was worth every penny.
Even though we're heading...
Jo v,
Sep 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Even though we're heading into spring (September) there was still a lot of snow on the mountains so the views are amazing. I didn't think I'd take so many photos of mountains and landscape lol. You also have the opportunity to meet people from anywhere in the world or even other kiwis and that can make the trip a lot of fun. There is an outdoor observation car for you to take spectacular photos but be prepared for whatever season you are travelling in. It wasn't too cold for me but it was for other people. There's also a food car which caters for gluten free and vegans but you are allowed to take your own food and drinks on board which is brilliant. The coffee was great. I'd recommend this trip.
Great experience and great way to view Arthur's Pass
434brettc,
Sep 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Such a fun day - Tour guide was great. We had a wonderful, but cold, time on the train and the sheep farm was great as well. This was a cool way to experience Arthur's Pass and i'd recommend it.

From NZ$243.75