The TranzAlpine Rail Service - Christchurch and concludes Greymouth, New Zealand

The TranzAlpine – rated one of the world's greatest!

The TranzAlpine travels between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand 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. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth – a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the always popular glaciers.

The TranzAlpine includes both one way seating and tabled group seating. Both styles allow you to experience the amazing views while enjoying the company of other passengers on-board. An open air viewing carriage allows you to get even closer to the stunning scenery and provides many opportunities to photograph your favorite spots. There's a lot to look forward to!

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

In 2007 and 2008, The TranzAlpine service will be interrupted for routine Otira Tunnel work. During the following dates the train will operate as normal between Christchurch and Arthur's Pass and return. However coaches will be used to transport those passengers wishing to travel onwards from Arthur's Pass to Greymouth and return. Coaches will depart as usual from the Greymouth Railway Station, at the scheduled train departure time and travel to Arthur's Pass, where they will meet the train and travel as normal to Christchurch.

Dates for 2007.

• June 12 and 13
• August 07 and 08
• October 09 and 10
• December 05 and 06

Dates for 2008.


• January 29 and 30
• April 01 and 02
• June 10 and 11
• August 05 and 06
• October 14 and 15
• December 03 and 04