TranzAlpine Train Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth
Overview
Available languages
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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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
289 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Good but not great
Gary C,
May 21, 2025
- Viator
3.00We travelled in May and could not fault the staff and the facilities. Our concern is that it was not supported with tourist orientated commentary other than a screen showing some forward “attractions “ seems a simple fix . The rental car counters are very limited in Greymouth so best to race there first when u get off the train.
Excellent way to travel across the Country
Mary R,
Apr 20, 2025
- Viator
4.00We used the time to relax and enjoy the scenery. Train was full. Could not figure out how to access commentary.
Disappointed
Robert P,
Mar 25, 2025
- Viator
3.00Time keeping is poor resulting in having to cancel or rearrange other bookings. Little commentary . Virtually no historical informations about the villages along the route.
Worth a ride
Garry I,
Mar 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00Check in was easy although we were there before some of the bus groups. The trip was wonderful and staff were friendly and helpful.
No leaves on the line!
Andrea S,
Mar 17, 2025
- Viator
4.00It wasn't as epic as I was expecting. That said I would recommend doing the journey to other travellers. I would have liked more spoken information about the landscapes and what we were seeing. Some info on TV screens but they were in the middle and I was looking out! Perhaps autumn is not the best time to travel, maybe winter with snow and ice? The staff were all friendly.
Related Experiences
Operated by Great Journeys New Zealand