What‘s Included

What To Expect

Reviews

• Ride through alpine

  asha g,

  Nov 11, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  4.00

  Good experience. Consider taking train from Arthur’s pass as the main ride through Alpines start after that only.

• Do Not Buy!

  Cal H,

  Nov 9, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  1.00

  DO NOT BOOK There is no coast-to-coast train. It is shutdown and they force you onto to a shuttle bus for the western half 3-5 hours late, with no notice or communication besides an email 30 minutes before the listed departure. This is a sub-standard service using bait & switch.

• awesome experience

  WilliamD,

  Oct 2, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Incredible. staff awesome. food delicious. Service outstanding. Every staff member on both directions at every position was more than helpful

• Exceptional experience with some recommendations

  mobiusnz,

  Aug 25, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  We just this weekend took the standard Trans Alpine to greymouth on a Saturday and came back on the Sunday with the Plus experience with dining and matched wines. I think we did it the right way round as the return trip I felt gave better views as they opened up in front of you where on the way from Christchurch you were almost looking back over your shoulder. Also the light was a lot better as the early sun was lower and brighter. It did get dark on the last leg back but thats on the flat land into Christchurch where there was less interesting to see. The food on the Senic Plus journey home to Christchurch was exceptional and the wine parings and beers on offer with amazing. We got a nice flat white on arrival, followed by a beer and then paired wines with each of the four course meal. I wasn't sure how good the food would be as it would have to be pre-prepared but the Lamb Shoulder main was one of the best meals I've had at ANY restaurant. The train was very comfortable and you could put a full wine glass on the table and it would never spill its so smooth in its acceleration and deceleration. At full cruising speed it was just over 90kph but it felt like 50. We just walked to the end of the cab to use the toilet or go into the open unit to take photos without the obstruction of glass. While scenic plus was expensive its really a once in a lifetime trip either way and at the end of it I'd have been happy if there was another 2 hours tacked on with the food and drinks. The trip over we found the last hour you were starting to want to get there. Personally if I was ever to do it again I'd get to Greymouth another way and do the Scenic plus Greymouth to Christchurch as The views are better in my opinion both due to direction and light The food is starter, cheese board, main and desert vs Breakfast and Lunch You are generally more ready for beer and wine in the evening It really was an exceptional end to a nice weekend away for my wifes birthday.

  

  

• Terrible rip off

  Trail17536919672,

  Jul 9, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  1.00

  Terrible experience. We had our trip stopped before we even got half way and had to wait for 3 hours for a bus. We only went so we could experience the train ride and the scenic views. Going on a bus rather than a train was not at all what we bargained for. They have written into their terms and conditions that they don't have to refund or offer another ride if the train can't continue due to Operational problems. I wouldn't recommend people to go at all as you could very easily be paying for a service that you won't receive. They refused to give us another journey even at half price or refund!! Shocking that this can happen in NZ as they ignore the consumer guarantees Act.

• Disappointed trip with no views due to technical fault

  JoanH2069,

  Jun 27, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  1.00

  The train timing is not accurate, there was a slight delay but acceptable. But shortly after the journey started, it had technical issues and was delayed for 2hrs. Meant to be a scenic ride but ended up not seeing anything as the sky grew dark when the train was operational again. The ride was very bumpy and rocky. I was expecting it to be similar to the alpine ride in Switzerland but I had to take motion sickness pill and yet still felt really bad due to the instability. Make sure you don’t plan a flight on the same day of train ride, be prepared for unexpected event. The counter staff checked with us before that, hence it gives me a bad feeling, did they already know that something may go wrong? They gave complimentary ice cream and hot drinks but it can’t compensate for our time lost and the loss of scenic views. Totally disappointing. I would rather drive than to take the train.

• Beautiful scenery and leave the driving to the train.

  Susan K,

  May 5, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Everything related to the train service was a 5, with the exception of their commentary app that was useless. From arriving at Greymouth Station, dropping off the car rental, dropping off the luggage that we made sure meet the requirement, everyone was lovely and helpful. They announced that there were extra table seats if anyone wanted to move. The train did arrive an hour late but they kept us updated. Easy luggage pick up. Food could be purchased on board. Left side of train was recommended for that journey. They had open viewing cars as well.

  

  

  

  

  

• 'Scenic Plus' food service shortcomings

  CheshireCharlotte,

  Apr 21, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  4.00

  Food service in Scenic Plus was disappointing: "lunch" was not served til after 5pm (journey started 2.15pm) and items were missing off the menu, including the vegetables as described. No explanation or apology. For the price paid, it's a bit shoddy.

• Incredible Journey

  Brent C,

  Apr 19, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Everything about the journey was First Class. The staff were amazing-responsive, friendly and professional The scenery was incredible- ranging from mountains to lake and river views. I would highly recommend this journey and paying the extra to go scenic plus

• Another experience to see...

  Budi H,

  Apr 18, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  4.00

  Another experience to see beatiful landscape from west coast area to the east coast. Maybe need to arrange longer stop time on certain interesting points during the journey

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