TranzAlpine Railway
Take the trip of a lifetime on the TranzAlpine railway
Make the journey across the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine railway from Christchurch to Greymouth, surrounded by stunning landscapes as you travel on one of the world’s most scenic rail routes.
The TranzAlpine route is an iconic New Zealand railway journey and the only direct way to travel between Christchurch and Greymouth. It is also a great way to connect to West Coast towns including Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, Westport, Punakaiki and Hokitika.
Journey through a land of amazing contrasts – from the pastoral scenes and flat, dry tussock of the Canterbury Plains, through the majestic Southern Alps and into the lush native rainforest of the remote West Coast. See some of the landscapes made famous by the Lord of the Rings and Narnia movies as you travel through 19 tunnels and across four viaducts, including the impressive Staircase Viaduct, high above the Waimakariri River.
You can book the TranzAlpine in either direction (from Christchurch to Greymouth or from Greymouth to Christchurch) and connect to our West Coast services to Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, Westport and Hokitika. See the InterCity route map for more details.
Search for TranzAlpine timetable information and book your seat for this unique experience. TranzAlpine trains depart Christchurch from Christchurch Railway Station, Troup Drive. Please note travel on the TranzAlpine train can only be booked in conjunction with connecting bus or coach travel on InterCity Group services.
About the TranzAlpine
Operated by Great Journeys of New Zealand, the TranzAlpine passenger train runs between Christchurch and Greymouth, passing through Rolleston, Darfield, Springfield, Cass, Arthur's Pass, Otira, Jacksons, Moana (Lake Brunner) and Kokiri. The journey is 223 kilometres (139 miles) one way and takes approximately four and a half hours.
All carriages on the TranzAlpine train are designed to show off New Zealand's stunning scenery, with wide side and roof windows and open air viewing decks. Wheelchair access is available and there is an on-board licensed cafe.