What To Expect

What‘s Included

Reviews

• Tranzalpine Snowy

  Helen V,May 2, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  4.00

  I have done this trip twice now. The first time was the best as there was plenty of snow on the mountains making it very picturesque and beautiful. This time around there was only a little snow and the train frequently had to stop along the track for work being undertaken so we arrived late into Greymouth from Christchurch. If you do decide to take the Tranzalphine Train make sure there is a decent amount of snow as it makes a huge difference. Staff are very pleasant and helpful.

• Beautiful experience

  melissar212016,May 2, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  The train carriage have massive windows so everyone has an incredible view. There is even an outdoor carriage so you can breathe in the fresh air! A great cafe with fresh food and beverage choices that you can enjoy whilst looking at the magnificent views. There is even commentary via an app if you choose to listen. Staff were attentive and extremely professional. Absolutely a highlight of our trip.

• Return trip in one day

  pakabay,Apr 30, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  We did the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth return yesterday in what was a very big but fantastic day. We chose to travel the first leg in Scenic class and returned from Greymouth to Christchurch in the upgraded Scenic Plus. Both were extremely enjoyable and whilst Scenic Plus is considerably more expensive, it is very nice indeed! Think linen tablecloths, fine glassware, nice wines and an even more comfortable dedicated railcar with its own dedicated kitchen car. The train was spotless inside & out, the staff superb and the running commentary and service notices could not have been communicated any clearer or better. Our service experienced a number of Signals issues, mostly on the way over, which delayed our arrival and subsequent departure from Greymouth, but again - fully communicated each step of the way and those needing to transfer to bus services in Greymouth were fully accommodated. We have been lucky enough to enjoy a number of significant rail journeys over the years and I’m delighted to add TranzAlpine to that list.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Very relaxing

  Sharon F,Apr 23, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  What a fantastic experience. So relaxing. Train so comfortable , clean and also very quiet . Views are worth seeing. Cafe was very nice. Staff all lovely. I decided to stay in Greymouth for the night to have a look around , next time I wouldn’t bother. 1 hour would be enough time.

  

• 5 star Tranzalpine

  Carly H,Apr 19, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Such a stunning train with near new facilities, carriages and comfort. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable and couldn't fault the experience at all

• Great way to sit back and...

  Janet S,Apr 17, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Great way to sit back and enjoy the scenery without having to pay attention to the road. Recommend downloading the app to get more info about the journey.

• Must do!

  logan v,Apr 14, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Just an unbelievable ride. This is some of the most spectacular views anyone will ever see on their lives. A must do!

• Great one-time experience. Book in advance and try to get seats on the right side of the coach for the best views.

  xBeeC,Apr 7, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  4.00

  Took the Christchurch to Greymouth route and booked the Scenic Plus. It’s pretty pricey and there’s a lot of marketing buzz around the Tranzalpine journeys, so our expectations were set high from the start. We arrived at the station well ahead of time. The check-in and luggage management process were all top notch. The staff at the counter are very warm and friendly. There is a separate counter section for scenic plus check in. We had a long wait until the train arrived and before we could board and there was a 15-minute delay in our departure time. But we were enjoying the sunrise and change of colours on the horizon so we didn’t mind the delay. The interiors in the scenic plus coach have the panoramic windows just like on any panoramic express trains and there are no overhead bagage counters in this coach due to the windows. There is an open carriage to take in the views during the journey, make use of that and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The service inside is friendly and attentive. The paper menu in the scenic plus takes you through what to expect for meal service and can also be taken home as a souvenir from the trip. However the food courses were a little underwhelming - the meat in the main course was dry and tough, and the dish itself was very heavy on beetroot. Everything is fresh though. I enjoyed the bakes and the dessert. The weather unfortunately on our travel day was very rainy throughout so we could barely enjoy the views or the open carriage, but I believe on better days it could be delightful. Greymouth station is much smaller than Christchurch so it can get a bit chaotic upon arrival as everyone alights and make their way out. Be careful to use the washroom in the train before arriving at Greymouth station as the toilets at the station were a bit rank. Overall I’d rate this train journey good to try on a good weather day to be able to enjoy all the beautiful scenery. Book ahead as it does get booked out. Try to get seats on the right hand side of the train (in the direction of train travel) The open carriage gets windy so layer up

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Not for disabled people

  Diane M,Apr 6, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  2.00

  There appears to be no assistance for disabled Travellers. I struggled the whole trip and never got approached by staff to offer assistance..if you do have a policy regarding disabled travellers there was no evidence of this and the staff were not educated. 9 I never had anything to eat or drink as the canteen was so far away. I would not recommend this trip to anyone with any sort of disability travelling alone. Maybe you shoud see how air nz operate Diane Matthews l

• The train travel was very...

  Jenny M,Apr 5, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  The train travel was very good, seats very comfortable, service excellent, and the meals first class.

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