Christchurch & Canterbury
TranzAlpine train
A scenic train journey crossing the Southern Alps between Christchurch and Greymouth, renowned for its dramatic alpine landscapes.
About this place
The TranzAlpine is one of the world's great train journeys, travelling coast-to-coast from the Canterbury Plains to the rugged West Coast. The route ascends through the foothills of the Southern Alps, passing over spectacular viaducts and through numerous tunnels. The scenery shifts from patchwork farmland to braided rivers and native beech forests.
A key feature of the journey is the open-air viewing carriage, which allows for uninterrupted photos and a more immersive experience of the alpine environment. The train includes a café carriage and features commentary that points out landmarks and historical points of interest along the way. The full journey connects Christchurch with the West Coast town of Greymouth.
Time needed
Approximately 5 hours for the one-way journey.
Best time
The scenery is striking in any season, with snow-covered peaks providing a particularly dramatic backdrop in winter.
Practical tips
- The open-air viewing carriage can be popular, so you may need to time your visit between crowds.
- Dress in layers, as the temperature in the open-air carriage can be cool, even on a sunny day.
- Many people choose to travel one way and return via a different mode of transport, or disembark at Arthur's Pass.