The TranzAlpine Scenic Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth

If you’re a regular reader of the blog, then you probably know of my love for train journeys. They’re my favorite means of long-distance travel. I probably have to stop saying that but they really are. So when I heard that the TranzAlpine Scenic journey from Christchurch to Greymouth is considered as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world on board the TranzAlpine train, it was obvious that this was something we could not miss. It was also the best mode of transport to make our way from Christchurch to Fox Glacier Village with the final leg of the journey from Greymouth via a very comfortable InterCity bus.

TranzAlpine Train Review

The TranzAlpine train passes through 16 tunnels and over 5 viaducts through some very dramatic landscapes of snow covered peaks, frozen glacial rivers, beech forests and river valleys. There couldn’t be a better introduction to the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island.

The first part of the journey took us through the lush farmland of the Canterbury plains. Perfect for honing our ‘NZ Sheep photography’ skills! We stepped out at the quick stop at Station 73 in Springfield to take a few photos with the backdrop of the icy peaks of the Southern Alps. At this point in time, I pretty much wanted to lie in the grass as if I were in a movie.

Following the Waimakariri river, the train gradually climbed into the alpine terrain of Arthur’s Pass National Park in the Southern Alps. To the east was a vast dry beech forest and to the west was a dense rainforest, making it a very impressive landscape.  Sculpted by glacial action, the scenery of steep gorges, rivers, tributaries and waterfalls made this the most remarkable part of the journey.

The train arrived into the West Coast descending through the temperate rainforest and made its way into Greymouth. After a leisurely lunch at a cozy restaurant called Speight’s Ale House, we were on the InterCity connection to Fox Glacier Village.

The KiwiRail Scenic Journeys website describes this as one of the top 6 train journeys in the world and it’s not hard to see why. I haven’t ever been as awestruck on a train journey and it’s no surprise because New Zealand is filled with mind-blowing experiences and landscapes so perfect, it’s almost unreal.

Tips:

1. TheTranzAlpine makes for a very comfortable experience with an informative commentary playing that you can choose to listen to via headphones and a choice of meals and beverages available at the café onboard.

The Viewing Deck is the best place for photography, although it can get quite chilly. As tempting as it can be to photograph every part of the journey, put your camera away for a few minutes to really appreciate the terrain.

The brief stops at Springfield, Arthur’s Pass and Lake Brunner are great for stepping out to get some fresh air and take pictures.

If you’re lucky to get fresh warm muffins and scones at Springfield, don’t miss out, they taste heavenly!

Book your tickets in advance if you’d like to travel on a particular date, details are on the KiwiRail Scenic Journeys website.

Check out my list of things to do in Christchurch and Fox Glacier Village.

Where to Stay in Greymouth

Book your hotel in Greymouth or consider one of these.

Mid-range Stays
Paroa Hotel
Gables Motor Lodge
Alpine Rose Greymouth Motel

Budget Stays
The Ashley Hotel

Hostel Stays
Noah’s Ark Backpackers

You can check out my itinerary for two weeks in New Zealand. For general info to plan your trip, see my New Zealand Travel Blog.

If you like this post, please share it on Pinterest:

Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you use them to book, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you, which goes towards running this blog. That said I never recommend tours, accommodations and products that I wouldn’t book or haven’t booked myself.