Ride a train through the Southern Alps on a remarkable scenic journey aboard the TranzAlpine Train. Choose between three different segments of the TranzAlpine Train route, then enjoy views of native beech forest, the powerful Waimakariri River, and Arthur's Pass National Park from a comfortable carriage or open viewing deck. For getting the history and context of the landmarks along the railway, GPS-triggered audio commentary is available on headphones at every seat.

Tickets to ride the TranzAlpine Train
See extraordinary landscapes from a comfortable train car
Choose between three departures and itineraries
Recorded commentary on audio headphones
Tour is wheelchair accessible
Ideal choice for families

What's Included

One way Rail Journey
GPS-triggered audio commentary
All taxes, fees and handling charges

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Food and drinks ( available to purchase)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Excess luggage charges (where applicable)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Christchurch Railway Station
Addington, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand

Start time

08:15 AM

End point

164 MacKay Street, Greymouth 7805, New Zealand

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Infants must sit on laps
Wheelchair accessible
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Wheelchair accessible, please advise at time of booking if travelling with a wheelchair
Stroller accessible
Please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to scheduled departure and check in at the station to receive your boarding pass

Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
This train passes through the Southern Alps, please dress for the alpine conditions
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Valerie_R

Scenery comfortable seats plenty of room to move around. Would recommend to anyone for ease of travel

Reviews

4.5

182 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 182 reviews

No experience was had.

Russell_T, Apr 2024

We did not get to experience the trip due to a blockage in the tunnel at Arthur's Pass. Had to hire a car in Chch to get to Greymouth. So, we can't comment further.

Awesome view

Pooja_S, Apr 2024

Highly recommended. Amazing views with mountains and valleys. Food was delicious and has many options

East meets West

CHRISTINA_S, Apr 2024

The scenery is amazing. The service is fantastic. Food choices nice but goes quickly so take snacks if you can

TransAlpine train ride from Christchurch to Greymouth

EK_G, Mar 2024

Excellent 5 hours train ride with scenic view on the way to Greymouth from Christchurch. The staff in the train station are very helpful and my query solve in time.

Great experience, beautiful scenery around the way, comfortable seats and good cafe bar on the train.

Petr_V, Mar 2024

As we are train lovers, we have certainly expected to have a good time going over the Alps by train. And we have enjoyed the trip all the way. Train itself is quite comfortable. Also the opportunity to took number of pictures is great as there are special open places available. Very nice trip!

Sadly, didn't live up to expectation.

Mike_E, Mar 2024

Hyped up trip over the Southern Alp. Maybe having crossed them further south via car already it did not live up to all those reviews. Possibly more impressive during the winter months, I would still invest in a rental car the next time.

Great trip

Michael_E, Mar 2024

The views were amazing and the whole operation from start to finish from checking in with cases to collecting at Greymouth was all very slick and professional

Fantastic journey

Susanna_M, Feb 2024

The views were amazing. The train was spacious with good food available. We were a family party of four adults and all loved it.

DO NOT Book

Perry_P, Feb 2024

DO NOT book with either RealNZ or Viator; these organization are the most greedy companies i have ever deal this!!! i was extremely sick with the flu; i sent numerous emails to try and reschedule our tour as I didn't want to get anyone sick. When they finally responded i was told that i knew their cancel policy period i tried to tell them I wasn't cancelling and that i just wanted to reschedule our trip and to avoid getting other people sick. again, i was quoted policy and so I'm out over $300 dollars This two organizations are the greediest companies I have ever worked with so again DO NOT book with either of these outfits

Spectacular scenery spoilt by seating arrangement!

Lesley_B, Feb 2024

Incredible scenery, but we have undertaken 3 train journeys in the past week and this is the second that was totally spoilt by the seating arrangement. Seated opposite complete strangers, facing against the direction of travel with limited leg room (knocking knees)!! Why are so many seats allocated as 4 seats and a table in between when the majority of people were travelling as couples. We spent the majority of our journey seated in the cafe carriage.

Lovely scenic views through Southern New Zealand Alps

Ray_S, Feb 2024

Nice leisurely trip through the southern Alps of New Zealand with commentary. Beautiful scenery and quiet smooth experience.

A Once in a Lifetime Train Trip!

Mary_D, Jan 2024

Great trip traveling through the Alps! Narration was excellent. Seats were comfy. I recommend sitting on the right, as most sights pointed out were on the right.

Amazing views

Joanna_A, Jan 2024

The views are amazing but there seemed to be a problem with mechanics on the train today, there were alot of stops to check the train?!

Relaxing scenic cross country journey

Meg_M, Jan 2024

Beautiful views, comfortable seating, lots of big windows for easy viewing, snack options. Great vistas, mountains, hills, waterfalls.

It was an amazing...

Helen_T, Jan 2024

It was an amazing experience with fantastic views . Staff very helpful and very friendly. It was a trip worth doing.

Fine

Jean_S, Jan 2024

Comfortable seating and food was fine. Not as luxurious as expected. View was nice and not as great as pictures. Ride was longer than expected and windows were a little dirty

Comfortable and Bucket List

W_B, Jan 2024

The train ride is very comfortable. For the most part, it ran to schedule as well. I like that you have assigned seats and the viewing booths were so amazing. This is a must do.

Disappointing

Bernadine_H, Jan 2024

Unfortunately the train was cancelled on the day & replaced with coaches. Whilst it was enjoyable the experience was not the same. We were travelling through & couldn't change to another day.

Trans Alpine Adventure

Derek_K, Jan 2024

A great train journey from start to finish! A good commentary brought the scenes to life throughout. Friendly staff at the station and on the train nade all the difference.

Mind blowing

Prashant_S, Jan 2024

Good experience of scenic views truly awesome experience.good food and friendly staff.would like ro visit again in future

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