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
200 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Waste of money and time
maria m,May 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00It was a total waste of time and money train was over 2 hrs late leaving greymouth which meant by the time we going it was getting dark and therefore we saw absolutely nothing but darkness very dissapointed , also we tried to cancel it the day before as we had decided to drive but could not get refund which is disgusting , I would not recommend it to anyone sorry
One of the classic train journeys
philipbF7542BH,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00When we planned our trip to the South Island of New Zealand, this was the first item we picked with good reason. The train trip is a special one - we wished it was a longer journey since the trip seemed even shorter by the 'distraction' of a beautiful three course meal with matching wines. If you are going to do this trip, it is well worth adding this to the experience. We did the trip in March and whilst the scenery was stunning, I would be very tempted to do the trip again later in the year to capture many more snow-covered Alps.
Beautiful journey
Alice A,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great way to travel, beautiful scenery & breathtaking views. Well worth the money
Amazing scenery with an interesting commentary to enjoy spectacular views in a harsh environment
bollidarling,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Amazing views, great customer service, good commentary but terrible (the vegetarian option was actually disgusting). Take food on with you don’t pay for a meal!!
Riding the train was a great way to end our trip!
Karen R,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Riding the train from Graymouth to Christchurch was a relaxing way to end our trip. The food was delicious and the wait staff was great.
Unique experience with local cuisine to accompany the epic views!
P L,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Experiencing one of the most scenic train rides in the world is already memorable but what made our ride with Tranzalpine extra special was having the staff: Ani, Bella, Carolyn, and Emma. They were so attentive, thoughtful, and caring throughout the entire 5-hour train ride. Their pacing and attention to detail with bringing out the food and drinks in a safe and calm manner were truly impressive! We marveled at the beautiful sights while enjoying a delicious multi-course meal made with locally grown products. Ani and her team took the time to converse with every guest and when they learned that we were visiting Aotearoa New Zealand to celebrate our mom and sister’s birthday, they took the time during their busy shift to personally sign a commemorative booklet for them! Many thanks to Ani and her team as well as the train conductors for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
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
From NZ$243.75
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Operated by Great Journeys New Zealand