TranzAlpine Train
TranzAlpine Train
4.5
About
The TranzAlpine is a long-distance train between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. Unlike normal passenger trains, the TranzAlpine is designed to provide a window to New Zealand's best scenery, with large reclined seating and huge panoramic windows. The spectacular TranzAlpine journey begins by roaming through the vast farmsteads of the Canterbury Plains to the spectacular gorges and valleys of the Waimakariri River. The TranzAlpine then ascends into the majestic Southern Alps to Arthurs Pass National Park, before descending through lush beech forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth - a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the always-popular glaciers. All services feature panoramic windows, reclined seating, GPS triggered at-seat commentary, a fully licensed cafe, toilets, and open air viewing deck. The TranzAlpine is operated by Great Journeys New Zealand, and runs Friday-Monday throughout the year.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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4.5
3,630 reviews
Excellent
2,307
Very good
945
Average
272
Poor
61
Terrible
45
Sue E
Yukon, Canada221 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We found out through our transfer to the train station that the train had a derailment further up the line. Not a passenger derailment. After lining up in the storm outside the station we were transported by bus to Arthur's Pass. Our bus driver was a great tour guide. Anyway we ended up on the train but there was no food available though staff did offer us free tea or coffee. I thought this was quite reasonable. Our seats that we had paid for were on a car that wasn't attached to the train so we spent the train trip wandering from seat to seat. Eventually we settled in the cafe car with no food. There were no hook ups for the headphones that delivered the tour. I hope that there'll be at least a partial refund for this trip. It could have been quite good.
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris F
Wroughton, UK245 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Took the train to Arthur’s Pass. Very nice big windows for observation from the carriage seating areas, but if glazing reflection spoil photography there is an observation car. This is rather small compared to the number of passengers and hence became rather crowded. A reasonable buffet car with teas, coffees, snacks and souvenirs. There was also a good running commentary as the train progressed giving interesting historic and geological information. A most enjoyable and informative journey as far as Arthur’s Pass.
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sassysas1970
Hamilton, New Zealand217 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
We booked this train trip back in March for a Thursday in October when covid first hit. We then got told a bit later that they were only operating on Friday-Sunday. While we negotiated the change we were alerted to an upgrade and decided to take advantage of that. Wow how impressive was that, Scenic Plus it is called, and the service and food and drinks you got were first class. We cannot rate it more highly than a 5 but would if we could. Staff, service, everything was spectacular, even the weather was on our side. It was 5 hours of travel bliss in our own NZ backyard. Thanks heaps 👍😁
Written 23 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora,
Thank you for your amazing feedback on your recent TranzAlpine journey!
We are so pleased you were able to reschedule your journey and be upgraded to try our new scenic plus service! What a brilliant way to travel with inclusive food, beverages and table service from our professional and kind staff!
We hope to welcome you on-board again in the future.
Best Wishes,
Karen | The Great Journeys of New Zealand
Written 28 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SGontour
Brisbane, Australia123 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
We decided to train it to Greymouth before picking up our car for the rest of our trip and I’m glad we did. The journey is so picturesque that I spent the whole journey listening to the great commentary and staring out the huge windows. There’s also an outdoor viewing car, although I think I saw more from my seat as it can get crowded up there. There’s also an on-board cafe/bar but we didn’t use it so can’t comment on the quality. If you arrive early as we did, there’s a great cafe 100m from the station opposite Bunnings that does great food too. Very glad that I got to do this journey.
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeff B
Brentwood, UK705 contributions
Jan 2020
We went from Christchurch to Greymouth. They were a little less prissy about the luggage weight than their literature suggested - which was good as we had a suitcase for a month's stay. All luggage of any size has to go in the van at the back. The overhead storage in the main carriages is basically for hats and coats. It was a lovely, scenic journey. Seats were comfortable, staff were very pleasant. A very enjoyable few hours.
Written 3 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David B
Shifnal, UK341 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
Greymouth Station was just like stepping back in time, but the staff were helpful and efficient and we settled down in our allotted comfortable reclining seats. The panoramic windows were huge and we were impressed with the GPS triggered at seat commentary
This is considered to be one of the world’s greatest train journeys, travelling across the centre of South Island, west to east, via Arthur’s Pass where we had a 10 minute photoshop. We saw lush forests, deep river valleys and the spectacular peaks of the Southern Alps, before descending the windsweptCanterbury Plains before arriving into Christchurch. This line was a marvel of engineering and some of the photos we took were awesome
I was surprised to read some poor reviews on Trip Advisor as to us this was a totally awesome experience
This is considered to be one of the world’s greatest train journeys, travelling across the centre of South Island, west to east, via Arthur’s Pass where we had a 10 minute photoshop. We saw lush forests, deep river valleys and the spectacular peaks of the Southern Alps, before descending the windsweptCanterbury Plains before arriving into Christchurch. This line was a marvel of engineering and some of the photos we took were awesome
I was surprised to read some poor reviews on Trip Advisor as to us this was a totally awesome experience
Written 5 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barry S
Nottingham, UK110 contributions
Feb 2020
The train itself is clean and comfortable and there is a refreshment car.Staff regularly clear away trash.
There is an outside viewing car at the rear which does get crowded.
Spectacular scenes on both sides of the carriage and there are headsets provided to listen to commentary in several languages
There is an outside viewing car at the rear which does get crowded.
Spectacular scenes on both sides of the carriage and there are headsets provided to listen to commentary in several languages
Written 7 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roland Z
51 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We were a little disappointed, whilst there were some good photo opportunities during the journey , there was no where near as much as we thought there would be. The seating was comfortable, however the price of food and drinks on the train as you can imagine was quite expensive, probably best to bring your own.
There is an open carriage at the front where you can take photos without reflections from the windows ,this is a great idea , I would suggest you park yourself there as early as possible as it gets very busy and you may find yourself disappointed you cannot get any shots. They should provide at least one more open carriages.
There is an open carriage at the front where you can take photos without reflections from the windows ,this is a great idea , I would suggest you park yourself there as early as possible as it gets very busy and you may find yourself disappointed you cannot get any shots. They should provide at least one more open carriages.
Written 29 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
havenlee
Westport, New Zealand10 contributions
Aug 2020
What a fabulous trip from Greymouth to Christchurch returning the next day. Amazing scenery from the Grey Valley in the west to the rain forest, through the mighty Southern Alps to the gorges, braided rivers and the Canterbury Plains. The train is very comfortable and the whole trip was so relaxing with a very informative commentary via the provided headsets. Customer service on board was excellent, special thanks to David on the train and Mariella in Christchurch for rescuing my phone that I left behind :) The Greymouth station is quite small with limited facilities and becomes somewhat crowded when passengers disembark but we understand this issue is being addressed. Just do the trip! you won't regret it.
Written 8 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora havenlee,
Thanks so much for your wonderful review on your TranzAlpine journey!
We are so pleased you had a relaxing and enjoyable journey with us. The scenery is absolutely stunning and not to be missed! Our staff work very hard to ensure all our customers are looked after, so your comments will be greatly appreciated by all.
Thank-you for travelling with us and we hope to welcome you on board again sometime!
Best Wishes,
Karen | The Great Journeys of New Zealand
Written 9 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
rdubbs08
Edmond, OK8,148 contributions
Feb 2020
The TranzAlpine train ride from Christchurch to Greymouth was an excellent experience! The staff/crew were all super friendly, boarding/exiting is quite efficient, the scenery gorgeous and the train cars clean and comfortable. Being roughly 5.5 hours in length, the ride allows for whatever you want to do - nap, play games, or simply gaze out the window. The cafe car offers an ample array of beverages and snacks, while the open air viewing car gives you a chance to get some fresh air and unobstructed photo opportunities. I highly recommend adding this to your itinerary!!
Written 23 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, I have booked a trip on the Transalpine to Greymouth and will stay there for one night. Is there a close by car park at the train station in Christchurch where I can leave my rental car over night?
Written 6 October 2024
I am not sure. But I did see that there were people who made roundtrip journeys the same day.
Written 26 August 2024
Hi doing Tranzalpine trip,staying 2 nights in greymouth.Can we park for that long at train station and is there any security in the carpark
Written 14 June 2023
We didn’t see any at the station but we stayed in Greymouth at the Copthorne and believe they had parking, not sure how secure.
Written 25 June 2023
I would like to take the train from Christchurch to Greymouth. Is there any transportation from Greymouth to Queenstown? I.e. car rental, bus
Written 31 May 2023
We got a car rental at Greymouth and we're able to make arrangement with the rental company to drop off at Christchurch Airport, so it may be possible to do likewise with Queenstown.
Written 1 June 2023
I want to travel from Franz Josef glacier to Christchurch which station to board and the duration and the fare of the train.
Written 6 May 2023
You need to go to greymouth then train takes you to Christchurch
Written 18 May 2023
How to Avail discount on TranzAlpine train from Greymouth to Christchurch.
Written 6 May 2023
I didn’t see any sis punted fares on offer.
Written 10 June 2023
The Alpine train trip is about the same time each way, about 5 hours, with a stop at Arthur's Pass. You can bring your own food on board or use the cafe which is limited but good. Check out the viewing car when you go through the mountains, it is pretty cool.
Written 15 April 2023
Are they really as strict with luggage as it says on the website? We're in NZ over 3 weeks. I understand the KG limit so will put over 3 bags but the volume limit seems excessive. Do they enforce it? One of our cases is slightly larger.
Written 4 February 2023
We had two large suitcases with us plus hand luggage and the staff load them in the luggage carriage for you and also unload them at the destination
Written 14 April 2023
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