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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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)
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.
Options
Scenic
Greymouth to Christchurch: 4.5 hour train journey from Greymouth to Christchurch
Scenic Plus
Scenic Plus
Includes Food and Beverage
Reviews
167 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
awesome experience
WilliamD,
Oct 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00Incredible. staff awesome. food delicious. Service outstanding. Every staff member on both directions at every position was more than helpful
Incredible Journey
Brent C,
Apr 19, 2025
- Viator
5.00Everything 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
- Viator
4.00Another 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
Slow, boring and expensive. Not worth it in its current form. The staff were nice though.
LJ A,
Apr 5, 2025
- Viator
2.00The staff were lovely but the trip was slow and expensive and after you’ve been in NZ for a week or two, the scenery wasn’t any different to what we’d already seen. The commentary was by wifi and old, and for the $ charged they really need to provide live commentary by announcement and refreshments. It’s not a trip in its current form that we would recommend.
Unrivalled views of the Southern Alps
Fiona S,
Apr 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00Arrived at Greymouth train station and checked in for the journey with ease. Allocated a seat then later moved to a vacant seat nearer the scenic viewing car towards the back of the train. I chose a scenic ticket rather than scenic plus (which gives you additional service features and access to a viewing car nearer your carriage but doesn’t change the view!).the seats are comfy and spacious. I spent much of the journey in the viewing car. It did get a bit busy at points during the journey. Views were awesome, with the scenery changing as you moved from the west coast through Arthur’s Pass and on to the Canterbury plains. I wanted to listen to the commentary but due to having a VPN active on my phone, it wouldn’t work. A quick chat with the friendly staff and they identified the issue and I could hear the information. It’ll save time if you download the great jpirneys New Zealand app before you travel. You can use onboard WiFi too. Informative and friendly staff. Good selection of food in the buffet car. I was travelling alone and it was easy to do.
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Operated by Great Journeys New Zealand