TranzAlpine Train Journey from Greymouth to Christchurch
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Experience the South Island’s striking natural landscape by taking a train one way between Greymouth and Christchurch. 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
Wheelchair accessible
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
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 To Expect
One of the world’s greatest train journeys, travelling coast to coast through forests and farmland and through the spectacular Southern Alps. The TranzAlpine operates a daily service between Christchurch and Greymouth. From the comfort of world class carriages travel from the West Coast town of Greymouth through lush beech rainforest before arriving at Arthur's Pass National Park. Then travels through the majestic Southern Alps, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. You will then see the fields of the Canterbury Plains before arriving at the final destination of Christchurch. 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.
What‘s Included
All taxes, fees and handling charges
GPS-triggered audio commentary
One Way Rail Journey
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Guide
Excess luggage charges (where applicable)
Options
Scenic Plus
Scenic Plus
Includes Food and Beverage
Scenic
Greymouth to Christchurch: 4.5 hour train journey from Greymouth to Christchurch
Reviews
194 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
TAT Greymouth to Christchurch
Lowen S,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Probably do it in late April or May. We enjoyed the trip. Well looked after by staff. Could buy food on train.
Very relaxing way to...
Meryl T,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Very relaxing way to travel from Greymouth to Christchurch in comfort with great scenery along the way. You can purchase drinks & snacks on board as well. We left our hire car in Greymouth which works well as the hire companies are at the train station.
Scenic Plus is a crapshoot
T703NEcarolineg,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Be careful about paying the higher price for Scenic Plus. I did multiple rides both Scenic and Scenic Plus and it’s debatable how much you really get. Scenic Plus is nice because you don’t have passengers constantly walking up and down the aisles bumping you to go to the Cafe car the whole ride. Plenty of food, but how good it is totally depends on the menu that day. All the wine offered is the best part - a glass with every course. You are SUPPOSED to have a reserved Scenic Plus open air viewing carriage. Separated by a rope from regular Scenic passengers. The honor system. Ha! Half of the viewing carriage is regular Scenic passengers and they go right under the rope to use the less crowded Scenic Plus side and block Scenic Plus passenger views at beauty spots and also go into Scenic Plus carriage to use their bathroom. Staff does not supervise or enforce Scenic Plus privileges. There are no signs about this arrangement, just an audio announcement at beginning of ride. We hated the dinner of just a piece of chicken and mushrooms. Nothing else. However dinner on the coastal pacific train was steak, glazed carrots and potatoes which was much better. So it’s a crapshoot. Be ready to be potentially disappointed.
Best Tour on Train
Oracle2345,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The best experience is ride the train. The people are very organized, and very helpful. The scenery is spectacular; better than other tours. This tour is a must Krishna
Unique...
Jennifer W,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Unique experience.Fantastic scenery.Very comfortable seats with good visibility.Exciting viewing open air viewing carriages.
Overrated and underwhelming!
Brad L,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00Extremely expensive and totally overrated!!! Very underwhelming as only about middle one hour of the total five-hour trip was the least bit scenic. The other four hours were a complete bore and uninteresting. Train was hot, constantly changing speeds and departure delayed by 2.5 hours.
Tranzalpine Train
994greigr,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The train was comfortable and provided good viewing of the often beautiful scenery. It ran on time.
Tranz Alpine Arthur's Pass journey highlight
Lynda A,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00We were luckily allocated front facing seats on the lefthand side of the carriage which another reviewer said were the best seats. Train ride was good but the highlight was Arthur's Pass which had dramatic views and lots of small tunnels. Staff continuously collecting rubbish and buffet car well stocked.
Sensational Seven
William T,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Travels through beautiful scenery, the observation carriage was great, and the staff were very friendly and helpful.
Scenic railway
J S,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent views well worth the trip, we did Greymouth to Christchurch luckily had a very good friend dropped us off at greymouth and then picked us up at Christchurch
From NZ$243.75
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Operated by Great Journeys New Zealand