Top of the South


Take a tour of the top half of the South Island and discover sun, surf, seafood, and snow! Jump on board the TranzAlpine train and soak up the views as you pass over the Southern Alps, visit the remote West Coast, the sunny northern beaches and the east coast delights of Kaikoura and Christchurch. 

HIGHLIGHTS FOR THIS PASS:

  • Minimum 2 days of travel
  • Start anywhere en-route
  • TranzAlpine train travel included
  • Buy your Top of the South TravelPass

    $269NZD

    Buy now

Itinerary details

Your pass is divided into the following 'legs'. You can book travel in either direction (i.e. follow the itinerary from top to bottom, or bottom to top). You can also stop as often as you like along the way on each leg (for example, on the Greymouth to Nelson leg you could book from Greymouth to Westport, Westport to Richmond and Richmond to Nelson).

The West Coast is a special part of New Zealand – remote, unspoiled and wildly beautiful.<br />

christchurch to greymouth

Board the TranzAlpine train and cross the Southern Alps on one of the world's most scenic rail journeys, rolling through stunning vistas of farming plains, alpine peaks and lush native rainforest.

Nelson is one of the New Zealand's sunniest towns with an abundance of beaches and bush walks to enjoy.

greymouth to nelson

Nelson is one of the New Zealand's sunniest towns with an abundance of beaches and bush walks to enjoy.

Cross over to Picton in the South Island on the Interislander ferry (included in your pass).

nelson to picton

Continue across the top of the South Island to Picton, gateway to the beautiful Marlborough Sounds.

picton to Kaikoura

Make your way down the east coast along scenic coastal roads to Kaikoura. This peaceful town is home to delicious fresh seafood and breathtaking wildlife encounters with whales, seals and more.

Visit Christchurch, a city re-energised since the devastating earthquakes.

Kaikoura to christchurch

Continue along the South Island’s east coast to Christchurch.