Disclaimer: I received a free seat on the TranzAlpine as part of a complimentary Magic Bus ticket, w

This was the scene in the outdoor viewing car on New Zealand s TranzAlpine train, a 4.5-hour rail journey that takes passengers from Christchurch to Greymouth via Arthur s Pass through the Southern Alps.
The TranzAlpine (part of NZ s Tranz Scenic rail service) is listed as being one of the most visually stunning train rides in the world. And, while it s been on my next time list for New Zealand for years now, I ll admit to being a bit skeptical about all the superlatives used to describe the journey. New Zealand sometimes has a tendency to talk itself up quite a lot when it comes to tourism, after all.
The journey starts in Christchurch, and heads out over the sprawling Canterbury Plains. The train stops in a few outlying farming towns, inching ever closer to the Southern Alps that can be seen looming protectively on the horizon.
Views of the gorge and river were constantly cut off as we darted in and out of a series of tunnels, the smell of diesel engine exhaust hanging thick in the dark tunnel air. I would discover later just how dirty this soot made my hair But, at the time, nothing could have kept me in my seat.
We passed through new travel websites towns like Cass and Otira tiny, almost-ghost-towns with populations you could sometimes count on one hand. I love the ruggedness of New Zealand and the fact that it still has so many untouched areas but I still don t think I would ever be persuaded to live in one of these railroad towns.
Clouds began to form on the other side of the Southern Alps, signifying our nearing the West Coast, which only added to the drama of the landscape. If I could have slowed time down, I would have. It was that beautiful.
We then descended new travel websites through the 5.3-mile-long Otira Tunnel, and emerged to cloudy skies and a light rain. We had reached New Zealand s West Coast, which is known for its often-soggy climate. I was perfectly happy to give up my spot in the open-air car and return to my comfy seat.
I grabbed some snacks at the onboard cafe bar (at reasonable prices, I may add), popped on my headphones, and simply enjoyed new travel websites the rest of the ride. There was occasional commentary about the areas we were passing through as we continued on, but I never felt as though I was being bombarded new travel websites with facts. I could have easily drifted off to sleep, had I been so inclined.
We arrived in Greymouth new travel websites in the early afternoon, completing our coast-to-coast train journey. I was sad to see it end, but also really glad I now had one more fantastic New Zealand experience to tuck away in my memory.
If you wanted to, you could technically do the whole round-trip journey new travel websites in one day. Or you could travel as far as Arthur s Pass, spend 5 hours exploring, and then catch the train back to Christchurch.
Prices vary based on season, availability new travel websites and any current promotions. When I checked for one-way tickets from Christchurch to Greymouth for June 2, I was quoted a price of $164 NZD. This certainly is not a cheap outing, new travel websites but I think it s well worth the money.
If you plan on also using the other Tranz Scenic trains in New Zealand (the Overlander and the TranzCoastal), consider buying a Scenic new travel websites Rail Pass . You can get an unlimited 7-day or 14-day pass that will include one ferry crossing between the North Island and the South Island.
Disclaimer: I received a free seat on the TranzAlpine as part of a complimentary Magic Bus ticket, which was one of my Blog4NZ prizes. As always, though, the opinions shared here all are mine. Money (and free stuff) can buy a lot of things, but my opinions aren t one of them.
I ve done that route on a bus (the bus basically drives right next to the train tracks), and it was really pretty. However, the TranzAlpine definitely takes the cake! Having that open-air car is genius on their part.
Sleeping is definitely a no-no! And the best part of this ride is that it s incredibly scenic, but it s not even all that long only 4.5 hours! Kind of the best option in my mind. You still get the scenery and the train experience, but you don t waste a whole day with the journey.
Thanks, Randy! I m really happy with these photos in fact, I m really happy with just about all the photos I took on this NZ trip! When you hit a sunny day in this country, it really is tough to take bad pictures.
Wow your pictures are so beautiful. We are planning a trip to NZ in August, and I have been using your site as inspiration for our planning! We may not be able to afford the train, but I ll keep my eyes out for any promotions! Thanks!
Thanks, Heather. And NZ in August, eh? That s so exciting! You guys will absolutely love it. And I m flattered that you ve been using my site as somewhat of a guide! That s always awesome to hear. Stay tuned, because there s lots more to come!
[...] before in NZ, which included exploring the Kapiti Coast, enjoying French-infused Akaroa, taking the TranzAlpine train across the South Island, braving the tallest bungy jump in the country, hiking on a glacier, [...]
I'm just a small-town Ohio girl trying to balance new travel websites a "normal" life of job, friends and family with an unquenchable lust for travel. I'm always looking for that next chance to get swept away in an adventure, be it around the globe or around the corner.