TranzAlpine Railway

Making the great traverse of the Southern Alps, the TranzAlpine train links Christchurch on the Pacific with Greymouth on the Tasman Sea, in a spectacular journey lasting four and a half hours.

After the alluvial Canterbury Plains the track rises steadily, hugging the contours of spectacular river valleys, to cross dramatic Arthur’s Pass before descending, through podocarp forest and past Lake Brunner, to the western coast.

Although not luxurious, the train itself is comfortable and well equipped, with an open-air viewing carriage and panoramic windows that allow you to relax and appreciate the passing scenery.