TranzAlpine – Christchurch to Greymouth
Rail Journey – from £135
Christchurch | Rolleston | Darfield | Springfield | Arthur’s Pass | Moana | Greymouth
Cross the mountains and valleys of New Zealand’s Southern Alps and Canterbury Plains on this scenic rail journey from Christchurch to Greymouth.
- ‘Scenic Class’ carriages with comfortable seating and panoramic windows
- Access to open-air carriages perfect for scenic photography
- Locally sourced food and beverages available in onboard café
- Learn the stories behind the scenery with an informative audio commentary
- Enjoy snow-capped mountains and deep river valleys from your train seat
Your Rail Journey
The TranzAlpine rail service offers comfortable reclining seating in air conditioned carriages designed to showcase New Zealand through its panoramic windows.
You’ll cross the fertile farmland of the Canterbury Plains, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. The train then climbs into the great peaks of the Southern Alps before descending through lush beech rainforest to the West Coast town of Greymouth.
The journey takes four and a half hours, with 19 tunnels and 4 viaducts on the way, the highest being the Staircase Viaduct at 82 metres.
Scenic Class
In Scenic Class on the TranzAlpine you’ll enjoy:
- Comfortable and spacious, reclining seating
- Panoramic windows and skylights on all carriages
- Air-conditioning on all carriages
- Licensed ‘Scenic Café’ serving meals, snacks and refreshments
- Open-air viewing carriages for unobstructed scenic views
- Location triggered audio commentary available in all seats
Scenic Plus
Upgrade to Scenic Plus on the TranzAlpine for:
- Comfortable and spacious, reclining seating
- Panoramic windows and skylights on all carriages
- Air-conditioning on all carriages
- Immersive dining experience with regionally inspired cuisine paired with wine, beer and soft drinks from the comfort of your seat.
- Access to an exclusive open-air viewing carriages for unobstructed scenic views
- A dedicated host will bring the experience to life with local stories and insights
TranzAlpine Train – Timetable
The TranzAlpine is a seasonal service operating seven days a week from mid-September until the end of April, and then Friday to Monday for the rest of the year.
Christchurch to Greymouth Train
- Christchurch: 08:15
- Rolleston: 08:35
- Darfield: 08:55
- Springfield: 09:20
- Arthur’s Pass: 10:50
- Moana: 12:05
- Greymouth: 13:05
Please confirm specific departures with your travel consultant.
Timetable correct as of April 2023.
Greymouth to Christchurch Train
- Greymouth: 14:05
- Moana: 15:05
- Arthur’s Pass: 16:30
- Springfield: 17:45
- Darfield: 18:10
- Rolleston: 18:35
- Christchurch: 19:00
Please confirm specific departures with your travel consultant.
Timetable correct as of April 2023.
Route Map
Train Tickets, Flights & More
With FREEDOM, you can book everything you need for your New Zealand rail holiday in one place; TranzAlpine, Coastal Pacific and Northern Explorer for 2023 or 2024, flights, hotels, tours and more.
TranzAlpine – Christchurch to Greymouth
Rail Journey – from £135
Include this Rail Journey in a New Zealand holiday designed for youPlease note, train departure and arrival times may change. Seasonal variations may apply.
Please call Freedom Destinations to confirm departure dates and availability.
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