New Zealand's most scenic rail journey | The TranzAlpine | Christchurch to Greymouth
The TranzAlpine is New Zealand's most famous train, crossing the Southern Alps from Christchurch to the West Coast. Find out whether the train lives up to its venerable reputation.
In this video, I'll show you what the Scenic Class carriages are like, check out the food and drink options from the onboard cafe and enjoy the views from the open-air viewing car. Of course, the scenery is the main act including a spectacular river gorge, towering viaducts, high mountain plains, braided rivers and pristine mountain lakes, en route to the West Coast.
The TranzAlpine is widely considered one of the world's great train journeys, covering 230 kilometres and taking just under 5 hours.
Starting in Christchurch, the journey crosses the expansive Canterbury Plains on the South Island Main Trunk line (SIMT). At Rolleston, the TranzAlpine turns north onto the Midland Line. Following an ancient Maori trail through the mountains that was later plotted by engineer Arthur Dobson, it is the Midland Line's passage through the Southern Alps that astounds the senses. The railway line between Springfield and Arthur's Pass is considered a masterpiece of railway engineering.
The Otira Tunnel marks the transition from Canterbury to West Coast. The weather is typically wetter on the west side - and the scenery is noticeably more vibrant. The views of Lake Brunner and the heritage station at Moana are not to be missed.
TranzAlpine timetable and fares:
???? Train: The TranzAlpine
???? Operator: Great Journeys of New Zealand (parent company: KiwiRail)
???? Locomotive: New Zealand DX class (DXC 5195 and DXC 5454)
???? Seat: Car B, Seat 6D (window)
???? Route: Christchurch - Arthur's Pass - Greymouth (Midland Line)
???? Distance: 230km
???? Travel time: 4 hours 50 minutes (scheduled)
???? Class: Scenic Class
???? Travel date: 6 November 2022
EQUIPMENT:
???? Cameras: GoPro Hero 10, GoPro Hero 8, iPhone 12 Pro Max, Panasonic HC-VX1
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and overview
01:09 - Christchurch Railway Station and check in
02:33 - Boarding and seat review
04:19 - Departing Christchurch and train composition
05:14 - Route overview
06:13 - Cafe and breakfast
07:48 - Crew announcement and Waimakariri River gorge
09:32 - Patterson’s Creek Viaduct
11:02 - Staircase and Broken River viaducts
12:53 - Slovens Stream Viaduct and Mount Binser
13:48 - Open air viewing car and Lake Sarah
16:44 - Waimakariri River Rail Bridge
17:33 - Cora Lynn and mountain views
19:45 - Arthur’s Pass
21:13 - Otira Tunnel and toilet tour
23:28 - Otira
25:16 - Taramakau River and Lake Poerua
27:22 - Lake Brunner and Moana
30:30 - Lunch
32:13 - Stillwater and Brunner Mine historic area
34:00 - Fares and schedule
36:28 - Arriving in Greymouth
38:44 - Final thoughts and video preview
Music
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Credits and sources:
Video attributions:
The Great Journeys of New Zealand
Photo attributions:
Assorted including thumbnail: The Great Journeys of New Zealand
Waimakariri River Bridge / Stair Case Viaduct
By Zureks
Moana Railway Station photos
Photo by itravelNZ®
By Tomiĉo via Wikimedia Commons
Wildman NZ
Map of Waimakariri River
By Grutness
The Waimakariri River with the Southern Alps in the background, Canterbury, New Zealand.
Photograph by Greg O'Beirne
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Epic TranzAlpine Scenic Train Ride (Christchurch to Greymouth) + Hokitika Gorge | New Zealand
Seeing the South Island's stunning natural beauty via the TranzAlpine scenic train ride is an unforgettable experience. We finally did the TranzAlpine for the very first time thanks to the Great Journeys of New Zealand reaching out to us and sponsoring our trip.
The TranzAlpine is an awesome train journey that covers 223 kilometres (139 miles) one-way. The views are absolutely breathtaking. Experiencing the open carriage is a must and it takes just under 5 hours (one-way) meaning you could do a return trip in a day.
We chose to stay overnight in Greymouth which is in the wonderful West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand so that we could also visit Hokitika Gorge (another place that was on our NZ bucket list).
???? TranzAlpine
For all the info you need and to book your journey:
▸
????️ Accommodation
BreakFree on Cashel (Christchurch)
Address: 165 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011
Coleraine Motel (Greymouth)
Address: 61 High Street, Greymouth 7805
???? Other Transportation
We took a the number 29 bus from Christchurch airport to town (takes about 30 mins) and it was a 4 minute walk from Manchester St Super Stop to our accommodation (BreakFree on Cashel). We were pleased to learn that bus fares were half price til the end of June 2022.
In Greymouth we pre-booked a car rental with New Zealand Rent A Car, so picked up our keys on arrival at the i-SITE centre. As we did our booking quite last minute and opted for full insurance, we recommend researching around a bit with other car rentals as there could be cheaper options.
???? Food
J-Bings
Address: Lichfield Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011
#tranzalpine #newzealand #nz
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VLOG DATE: 2-4 Apr 2022
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2 DAYS Across NEW ZEALAND by Train
Watch this video to experience TWO of the world’s most scenic trains in New Zealand: The TranzAlpine and Coastal Pacific on New Zealand's Stunning South Island! In this New Zealand Travel Guide, we’ll explore New Zealand’s South Island by rail!
The TranzAlpine and Coastal Pacific trains traverse some of the planet’s most unbelievable landscapes. From Greymouth on the rainforested West Coast, we’ll traverse the Southern Alps to Christchurch. From there, we’ll head north toward Wine Country, while hugging the Pacific Coast, watching waves crash and spotting seals, dolphins, and other sea mammals.
The TranzAlpine and Coastal Pacific trains offer some of the most incredible rail adventures possible.
We’ll check out everything onboard, too. Including the café car and its selections of tasty snacks and meals. We’ll fully investigate the open-air observation car on both the TranzAlpine and the Coastal Pacific.
0:00 Introduction
1:24 Boarding the TranzAlpine
7:07 Arriving in Arthur’s Pass
10:48 Boarding the Coastal Pacific
15:12 Reaching the Pacific Coast
19:15 Bloopers
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Music:
Sunrise Sunset (Tribute Version) (Instrumental Version) – Akerman
Sand and Salt (Instrumental Version) – Ludlow
Telekenisis – Tellsonic
Limit Experience – Marc Torch
Calming Rain – Candelion
Crushing Waves – Marc Torch
These Days – Pearce Roswell
Eyes of Yours – Edgar Hopp
Sunrise Sunset (Tribute Version) (Instrumental Version) (REPRISE) – Akerman
We’re Taking Off – Wildflowers
Still a Dreamer – Clarke Russo
Because of Forever – Briar Edwards
Summer Moon – The Big Let Down
???? TranzAlpine Train: The Most Scenic New Zealand Train Journey – New Zealand's Biggest Gap Year
Day 214: Today we’re taking the TranzAlpine Train in New Zealand from Christchurch to Greymouth (and back again). The New Zealand train passes through Arthur’s Pass National Park making it one of the world’s most scenic train journeys.
Yesterday - Day 213 ➜
Tomorrow – Day 215 ➜
30 Tips for Backpacking in New Zealand ➜
-- About this video --
Today we’re taking the TranzAlpine Train in New Zealand! It’s considered one of the world’s most scenic train trips. Watch this video to see what it’s like to take a return journey with the KiwiRail TranzAlpine Train between Christchurch and Greymouth. It’s one of the great ways to travel across the South Island.
Admittedly, there is not much in the way of train travel in New Zealand, but with what New Zealand trains they do have, they are pretty amazing. The New Zealand TranzAlpine goes from Christchurch to Greymouth where the train goes through Arthur’s Pass National Park in the Southern Alps. The Arthur’s Pass train station is one of the stops before travelling through the Otira Tunnel, which is 8.5km long.
So what do you think of this South Island train journey? Would you add the Christchurch Greymouth Train / Greymouth Christchurch train to your South Island travel itinerary? Would you use this way to travel the South Island? LUK in the comments.
#NZMustDo #BackpackerGuideNZ #Christchurch #NewZealandVlog #NewZealand
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-- New Zealand Biggest Gap Year --
365 Days: 365 Activities
BackpackerGuide.NZ is New Zealand’s biggest online travel guide for adventure and budget travel in New Zealand. Join us, as the team behind BackpackerGuide.NZ, Robin and Laura, update the travel guide while taking on 365 Days: 365 Activities in New Zealand! It’s New Zealand’s Biggest Gap Year! We release new videos of the New Zealand backpacking adventure every single day, as well as New Zealand travel tips and 360 videos every Sunday so start making your New Zealand bucket list!
Read more about this Christchurch train trip in New Zealand’s biggest guide for backpackers:
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Train Network in New Zealand ➜
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Christchurch City – Guide for Backpackers ➜
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Greymouth - Guide for Backpackers ➜
Monteith’s Brewery Tour in Greymouth [VIDEO] ➜
Self-Drive Off-Roading in Greymouth [VIDEO] ➜
TranzAlpine Train Journey NZ- Greymouth to Christchurch
From lush vineyards and wild coastlines to sky-piercing mountains and pristine glacial lakes, Canterbury is a region of remarkable contrasts! Enjoy a spectacular train ride in Summer from Greymouth to Arthur's Pass to Christchurch through the Southern Alps aboard the TranzAlpine train - one of the world's great train journeys. Covering 223 kilometres (139 miles) one-way and taking just under 5 hours.
You have wide-open views of rugged peaks, and vast forests of native beech.
Ride through the high peaks of the Southern Alps
See an untouched mountain landscape and forests
Royalty Free Music Long Live - Adrian Walther
Youtube Code F8UFDCFRQ46B00UQ
New Zealand by Rail - part 2: Coastal Pacific Scenic Train Christchurch - Picton
Part Two of the New Zealand Railway Journey from the South Island to the North Island; travelling on the scenic Intercity trains TranzAlpine, Coastal Pacific and Northern Explorer via Christchurch, Picton, and Wellington;
Scenic Train: Coastal Pacific
From: Christchurch (Ōtautahi), Canterbury Region, South Island, New Zealand
To: Christchurch (Waitohi), Marlborough Region, South Island, New Zealand
Route via Main North Line: Rangiora, Kaikoura on the Pacific Ocean, Blenheim
Car No: B
Travel Class: One Class
Seating Car Model: New Zealand AK class, built by Hillside Workshops in Dunedin
Price: NZD 80.58 (approx. EUR 44)
Scheduled travel time: 6 hours and 15 min
Departure: 07:00
Arrival: 13:15 (actual arrival time: 13:20)
Distance: approx. 348 km
Travel season: December 2019
Train operator: The Great Journeys of New Zealand, tourism division of KiwiRail
Diesel Locomotive Christchurch - Picton: One General Electric DX Class U26C 5172 (built by GE Transportation in Erie, Pennsylvania, United States in the early 1970s)
Song: Markvard - Everybody
Music provided by Vlog No Copyright Music.
Video Link:
TranzAlpine Train Restart 2022 - Christchurch to Arthurs Pass
Watch the TranzAlpine's spectacular return to service on the 14th January 2022.
This short 30 second highlights reel shows the gorgeous scenery on the first half of the journey between Christchurch and Arthur's Pass.
TRANZALPINE TRAIN: CHRISTCHURCH TO WEST COAST /// NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL VLOG
TranzAlpine train travelling from Christchurch to West Coast is one of the most popular tourist destinations not only on the South Island but actually anywhere in Aotearoa New Zealand. In this travel vlog, we would love to invite you to ride this train through Southern Alps together with us. We promise, the views you are about to see are breathtaking!
TranzAlpine is one of several routes available from The Great Journeys Of New Zealand and KiwiRail. Tickets are available for online purchase via their website and usually are sold out very quickly, so you have to book in advance. We were lucky to get a couple of passes while in Christchurch during school holidays, but nearly all dates were sold out and the train was full.
TranzAlpine train departs from Christchurch in the morning and spends around 5 hours travelling through Southern Alps so you can enjoy beautiful destinations like Arthur's Pass, Lake Moana, Greymouth and others. This is the whole day adventure if you do the return trip, but you are free to hop off on any of the stops or take one way trip if you feel like it. Last stop is Greymouth at the West Coast of New Zealand which is a great place to spend some time in.
If you are planning your trip around the South Island, taking this TranzAlpine train is definitely an amazing way to spend your day. The train itself is very comfortable, all carriages have panoramic windows and audio commentary, so you can enjoy the views of New Zealand's mountains and learn the history of the region. There are also viewing carriages where you can enjoy the wind on your skin and get some great photo opportunities. Isn't it why you want to visit New Zealand? You can also enjoy hot food, snacks and drinks from the on-board cafe.
This is Travel Vlog 2 from our NZ Road Trip 2020. If you would like to see other videos from our adventure of the year, please check the links below. We have lots of other travel videos about New Zealand, including detailed guides for Christchurch where you can discover other things to do there.
PS: this 30-day New Zealand road trip was taking place when NZ was in Alert Level 1, so all the requirements were fulfilled. If you would like to travel during other alert levels, make sure to check the requirements and please stay safe.
NEW ZEALAND ROAD TRIP 2020:
NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL VIDEOS:
CHAPTERS:
0:00 Intro
0:35 Departing Christchurch
1:46 Impressions
2:18 Southern Alps
3:56 Greymouth
6:38 Way back
7:45 Outro
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TranzAlpine Train Journey ???? | Christchurch to Greymouth through the New Zealand mountains!
Welcome, or welcome back to, Putting Down Routes! A few weeks ago before van life well and truly commenced, we took an extra special trip on the TranzAlpine train between Christchurch and Greymouth!
The trip was amazing and such a treat- the 5 hour journey took us through Arthur’s Pass National Park and Moana, past rolling mountains, gorges and lakes. The cafe serviced excelled food and drinks and all of the staff were so lovely, we truly felt so welcomed and appreciated on board.
At $210 one way this trip is not cheap, however we’d recommend it if you’re short on time and want to have the opportunity to see more of New Zealand whilst travelling than flying between places would offer. There are also occasional discounts on select routes so do check the website or use this link to book your tickets:
If you have any questions about the journey before you book, then we’d be happy to answer them????
Thank you so much for watching, do like this video and subscribe if you haven’t already for more videos just like this one!
Have a wonderful day,
E & T x
???? Tranzalpine Scenic Train Journey: What is it REALLY like?!
► Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Arthurs Pass ►
-- ABOUT THIS VIDEO –
What is it really like to take the Tranzalpine train in New Zealand? And what is it really like to cross Arthurs Pass by train with the Tranzalpine? In this video we take you in with us as we experience the tour so you can see for yourself if it's your kind of thing.
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Scenic TRAIN Ride in New Zealand: a FIRST CLASS LUXURY Experience
We took the TranzAlpine Scenic Train ride through New Zealand and it was an absolutely awesome, first class type of experience. The 4 hour trip from Christchurch to Greymouth had some outlooks, landscapes, and scenery that blew us away.
We're kind of weird in that we like to just ride trains and watch the world go by, but if you like that kind of thing, you'd love this express train!
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New Zealand by Rail - part 4: Northern Explorer Scenic Train Wellington - Auckland by KiwiRail
Part Four of our New Zealand by Rail series;
We are travelling on the TranzAlpine, Coastal Pacific and Northern Explorer Trains all the way from Greymouth on the South Island to Auckland on the North Island;
KiwiRail Train: Northern Explorer
Formerly known as: The Overlander
From: Wellington Railway Station
To: Auckland Strand Station
Region: North Island
Country: New Zealand
Route via North Island Main Trunk Railway (NIMP): Paraparaumu, Palmerston North, National Park (Tongariro / Mount Ruapehu), Hamilton
Engineering buildings: Hapuawhenua Viaduct, Raurimu Spiral
Car No: C
Travel Class: Economy Class
Seating Car Model: New Zealand AK class (built by Hillside Workshops in Dunedin)
Price: NZD 123 (approx. EUR 71)
Scheduled travel time: 10 hours and 40 min
Departure: 07:55
Arrival: 18:35
Distance: 682 km
Travel season: November 2010
Train operator: The Great Journeys of New Zealand (KiwiRail)
Diesel Locomotive Wellington - Auckland: KiwiRail General Motors DFCclass (DFB 7186)
Part 1 (TranzAlpine Train Greymouth - Christchurch):
youtu.be/lI2F9uBIbAc
Part 2 (Coastal Pacific Train Christchurch - Picton):
youtu.be/MZXXv_gA77U
Part 3 (Interislander Ferry Picton - Wellington):
youtu.be/liQoI4Nkm2Y
Part 4 (Northern Explorer Train Wellington - Auckland):
this video!
Bongo by KV
Creative Commons — Attribution 4.0 International — CC BY 4.0
New Zealand by Rail - part 1: TranzAlpine Scenic Train Greymouth - Christchurch
Part One of the New Zealand Railway Journey from Greymouth to Auckland; travelling on the scenic Intercity trains TranzAlpine, Coastal Pacific and Northern Explorer via Otira Tunnel, Arthur's Pass, Springfield, Christchurch, Picton, Wellington, Palmerston Nord, National Park, and Hamilton
Scenic Train: № 804 TranzAlpine
From: Greymouth (Māwhera), West Coast Region, South Island, New Zealand
To: Christchurch (Ōtautahi), Canterbury Region, South Island, New Zealand
Route via Midland Line: Moana, Otira, Southern Alps, Arthur's Pass, Broken River, Staircase Viaduct, Waimakariri River, Springfield, Darfield, Rolleston
Car No: E
Travel Class: One Class
Seating Car Model: New Zealand AK class, built by Hillside Workshops in Dunedin
Price: NZD 121.38 (approx. EUR 71)
Scheduled travel time: 5 hours and 26 min
Departure: 14:05
Arrival: 18:31 (actual arrival time: 18:46)
Distance: approx. 223 km
Travel season: December 2019
Train operator: The Great Journeys of New Zealand, tourism division of KiwiRail
Diesel Locomotives Greymouth - Christchurch: Two General Electric DX Class U26C 5460 and 5333 (built by GE Transportation in Erie, Pennsylvania, United States in the early 1970s)
Push Diesel Locomotive Otira - Otira Tunnel - Arthur's Pass: DXC 5229
Ocean by KV
Creative Commons — Attribution 4.0 International — CC BY 4.0
Scenic Highlights of the TranzAlpine in Winter
Experience the South Island’s striking natural landscape by taking a train between Christchurch and Greymouth. Along this journey you’ll see epic vistas, travel the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, traverse the Southern Alps, and see miles of native beech forest.
The TranzAlpine is one of the world's great train journeys covering 223 kilometres (139 miles) one-way, taking just under 5 hours. You’ll traverse the majestic Canterbury Plains, to the backdrop of the mighty Southern Alps - the journey of a lifetime.
Find out more at
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TranzAlpine train journey between Christchurch & Greymouth, New Zealand
Climb aboard the TranzAlpine! Experience a world famous train journey with KiwiRail Scenic Journeys through the Southern Alps of New Zealand.
TranzAlpine Rail Trip from Greymouth to Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand
Ranked as one of the top 10 rail journeys in the world by National Geographic (Source:
The TranzAlpine is one of the world's great train journeys covering 223 kilometres (139 miles) one-way, taking just under 5 hours. You’ll traverse the majestic Canterbury Plains, to the backdrop of the mighty Southern Alps - the journey of a lifetime. (Source:
Driver's eye view - Highspeed TranzAlpine Part 1 - Christchurch to Arthurs Pass
Enjoy an uninterrupted view of the line ahead between Christchurch and Arthurs Pass, with all the viaducts, tunnels and fabulous scenery at 8 x normal speed.
TranzAlpine Train Journey Experience, South Island, New Zealand
The TranzAlpine Train by KiwiRail Scenic Journeys is branded as one of the world's great journeys. A journey of 223 kilometres, it takes passengers through contrasting landscapes, from beech forests to farmlands to gorges to alpine landscapes. The journey is quiet and comfortable, and the views can be enjoyed from the panoramic windows in the carriages. There is also an outdoor viewing carriage offering unobstructed views of the landscapes for photography. A café offering affordable snacks and light meals is available onboard.
The TranzAlpine is a great way to enjoy the diverse and stunning landscapes of South Island, New Zealand.
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Tranzalpine Road Tour Part 1
The Famous Tranzalpine Road Trip. Christchurch To Greymouth On A Rainy Day. Your South Island Tour In New Zealand May Begin From Christchurch Going To Glaciers Via Greymouth. If Scenic Train Is Booked From Christchurch Get Off At Greymouth Town. For The Rest Of Your Journey Rent A Cars Available From There. You Can Return Vehicles At Queenstown Or Christchurch Airports. Please Contact Us Through Our Email shuttleunited@gmail.com If You Would Like To Know More About Our Packages. We are a group of mature and experienced operators. Thank you for watching.
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TranzAlpine in the Summertime
KiwiRail Scenic Journey's TranzAlpine cruises through some of New Zealand's most stunning and unique scenery, between Christchurch and Greymouth.
The best way to view New Zealand's ever-changing landscape unfold before your eyes is to kick back in our spacious luxury trains! Explore some of NZ's special places, unique attractions and outdoor activities is by including the train in your trip: