The TranzAlpine Train takes you on a wonderfully scenic journey from Christchurch to Greymouth on the West Coast. You first travel across the expansive, flat Canterbary Plains before reaching the foothills of the Southern Alps. From here you climb slowly, with truly breath-taking scenery all around, towards Arthur’s Pass Village –  the highest settlement in the South Island. The train then continues through beautiful Otira Gorge and on to the Taramaku River Valley, gently descending to the rainforest clad West Coast. The whole journey takes just under five hours and there are a few brief stops at remote stations along the way.

The trains have comfortable seating which rotates to always be facing the direction of travel. The carriages have large picture windows and all guests have access to an open-sided carriage for uninterrupted views. There is a licensed café on board and audio-commentary is available at every seat; headsets are provided or you can take your own earphones.