Beautiful trip to see across the South Island. Great views, changing landscape East to West. I could go to the open car to take pictures, and the ride was comfortable.

Loved this trip. Scenery was great. Very comfortable trip but very disappointed that there was no headphones supplied to listen to the trip.

The TranzAlpine train journey was simply amazing! The scenery was stunning, with snow capped mountains, deep gorges and lush forests passing by. The train was comfortable and the large windows made it easy to soak in all the breathtaking views. It's must do experience in New Zealand.

We had a good experience with the Tranzalpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth. About a week prior to the journey, I called KiwiRail and asked for a request if we can be seated on the right side (forward-facing) of the train and they did their best to accommodate our request as there's no guarantee where you'll be seated. But based on my experience, it didn't really matter which side you were seated as you will experience great views on both sides. Although the train was full of passengers on that day, we managed to go to the open-air viewing. What I really like about this train journey is the commentary as you pass by each point of interest. You get to learn a bit of the history of the place. I gave it 4 stars as I thought it's a little expensive (NZ$219 for a standard one) based on my experience. The views became boring towards the end of the journey, and all you can see are trees on both sides. Also, with the price, I think that food should've been included.

Struck good weather so scenery and confort excellent. Nga Maunga Aotearoa unspoilt in many places. We need to ensure our original landscapes remain untouched by progress.

Excellent product, train, staff, scenery etc. BUT.... be careful about how the back office management of customer communications. They Don't. Last week we waited at greymouth for return journey to Christchurch. Due to leave 2.05. At check in at 10 we were advised train incoming was late. Station staff had zero information on likely new ETD. Train came in hour and half approx late. Left at 3.30pm. Key issue was train problem occurred with engines just 45 minutes out of Christchurch. Tranzalpine knew of the likely delay time by 9.00 am yet said nothing to those of us waiting at Greymouth. We lsot thre chance to change our arrangements for arrival at Christchurch . We learned of problem from incoming passengers. A really unprofessional approach was taken with someone walking through train to apologise. etc but he didn't get the issue re: customer management. I emailed the company mid morning. They advised train staff would pass info sometime later. It never came to passengers waiitng on the platform. A brilliant experince but maybe company relies on us to perservere.

Loved it, beautiful surrounds and so luck with the clear skies and seeing the Hoare frost. The dining carriage looked worth checking out for next time

As I expected, the journey was memorable. There was very informative commentary delivered via headphones. Arrived into Greymouth early.

I would recommend the Scenic Plus ticket from Christchurch to Greymouth. The scenery is amazing - I spent 90% of the journey in the observation car. As someone who finished a Geography degree over 30 years ago and has done nothing related to it since, it was like a glacial/alluvial landform revision course but you could equally enjoy for just being spectacular. My wife informs me the commentary was very informative - although I missed most of it. Food and drink good. Nothing much in Greymouth - either head back on the return train or plan to move straight on.

We loved it. Very comfortable carriages and our seating assignments had us sitting on the other side of the train on the return so we got to see both views. Train seemed very clean and the staff were super friendly, helpful and professional. Only 2 things that could have been better were that the headphone jacks didn’t work very well and the part of the trip with all the viaducts and tunnels had the outdoor observation cars temporarily closed. Otherwise we loved the whole trip and want to do it again already!

Notable Tours took 45 elderly folks over from Christchurch - a fabulous experience. Great service from booking through to execution.

Beautiful views, especially around Arthur's Pass. There's an audio guide available which is great but not mandatory (you can turn it on or off as desired). Comfortable and nice bar where you can get some drinks or snacks. Very relaxing vibe throughout the whole journey.

Thoroughly enjoyed our one-way standard class journey on the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass. Comfortable and clear viewing from our table seats, interesting commentary via complimentary earphones and of course splendid alpine vistas from the open air viewing car. The buffet car gets very busy so duck in early, plus my gourmet pie was not heated through enough. Note the standard viewing car is not completely open, but still accessible enough to capture those stunning landscapes even though the train charges through the southern alps at a fair rate of knots.

Excellent service tourist train ! 5)3 seats are comfortable Nd the service staff are soo good ! The food in the cafeteria is quite good and the coffee is excellent! The viewing area which is open is awesome but super cold and windy !!

Incredible vistas. New, modern, clean train cars w comfy tables and seats. Snacks for sale as well. Loved the outdoor train car to experience the beautiful countryside with the wind blowing. Did this as a family of 5–3 teens and spouse. We enjoyed it! Worth doing once!