Travelling on the TranzAlpine train is a scenic rail journey from Christchurch to Arthurs Pass and Greymouth passing  though the Southern Alps from one coast of New Zealand's South Island to the other.

From your carriage you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. 

The TranzAlpine train travels west, crossing the Canterbury Plains, ascending up through the Southern Alps to the alpine village of Arthurs Pass for a short break before descending to the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island, through lush alpine beech rain forests to Greymouth.

Your journey is 223.8 kilometres long and takes just four and a half hours. There are 16 tunnels, and 5 viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing at 73 metres.

The TranzAlpine carriages have advanced air bag suspension system for quieter and smoother travel, un-tinted, non-reflective, panoramic side and roof windows to capture the dramatic coastal and mountain views of the magnificent South Island, GPS triggered journey commentary in five languages at your seat via headphones, plus information displays and overhead HD video and are centrally heated/air conditioned for passenger comfort.

Each carriage has onboard washroom/toilet facilities, with '2 Seat-Aisle-2 Seat' seating either as forward facing seats with head rests or 'Table Group' (4 people around a table) seating allowing to experience the amazing views of the magnificent South Island, through panoramic side and roof windows, while enjoying the company of other passengers.

The TranzAlpine train has a café carriage offering a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, snacks and light meals and an open air viewing carriage allows you to get even closer to the stunning scenery and provides many opportunities to photograph your favourite spots.

By using the FareFinder/Reservation search function located left of the this page, you can book combined TranzAlpine train and scenic bus travel from Christchurch to Nelson, Murchison, Westport, Punakaki, Hokitika, Franz Josef and Fox Glacier.

To make a reservation - type or select 'Christchurch' in the 'From' field and type or select 'Nelson, Murchison, Westport, Punakaki, Hokitika, Fox Glacier or Franz Josef' in the 'To' field as your destination.

You can book combined TranzAlpine train and scenic bus travel from Nelson, Murchison, Westport, Punakaiki, Hokitika, Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier to and from Christchurch.

To make a reservation - type or select 'Nelson, Murchison, Westport, Punakaki, Hokitika, Fox Glacier or Franz Josef' in the 'From' field and type or select 'Christchurch' in the 'To' field as your destination.

You can add to the above travel, connecting scenic bus services from Franz Josef or Fox Glacier to Wanaka and Queenstown travelling on Great Sights or coach and ferry travel from Nelson to other South and North Island destinations with InterCity Coachlines.

You can book accommodation that is near Christchurch Railway Station for TranzAlpine train services to and from Christchurch.