Experience the most scenic train journey of New Zealand (TranzAlpine)
Christchurch, New Zealand • 
Must Do
Must Do
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Jul
13°C – 23°C, warm temperatures with low chance of precipitation, high crowds, peak season
13°C – 23°C, warm temperatures with low chance of precipitation, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
No
Scenic Class carriages are wheelchair accessible; Scenic Plus is not.
Scenic Class carriages are wheelchair accessible; Scenic Plus is not.
Value for money
Medium
Pricey, but the experience is generally considered memorable.
Pricey, but the experience is generally considered memorable.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Breathtaking Scenery
Couples raved about the views, especially through Arthur's Pass. So romantic!
Comfortable Journey
Travelers found the seating comfortable. Perfect for relaxing with your partner.
Great Experience
Couples enjoyed the smooth ride and the excellent service. Highly recommended.
Overcast Skies
Some couples were disappointed by the weather, cloud cover blocked views.
Pricey Upgrade
Scenic Plus is expensive. Travelers debated if it was worth the cost.
Potential Delays
Some couples experienced delays. The weather can disrupt the schedule.
How to book
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Hours of operation
Monday
8:15 AM - 1:10 PM
Tuesday
8:15 AM - 1:10 PM
Wednesday
8:15 AM - 1:10 PM
Thursday
8:15 AM - 1:10 PM
Friday
8:15 AM - 1:10 PM
Saturday
8:15 AM - 1:10 PM
Sunday
8:15 AM - 1:10 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Embark on the most stunning journey along with fellow travelers
Enjoy the perks of premium class with exclusive access and great food
Experience the incredible TranzAlpine from Greymouth to Christchurch
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
HIGH
10-25°C
December brings warm temperatures and low rainfall, creating perfect conditions for travel.
December brings warm temperatures and low rainfall, creating perfect conditions for travel.
Open
High demand may lead to limited availability; early booking is recommended.
High demand may lead to limited availability; early booking is recommended.
Recommended
December offers vibrant landscapes and festive energy, but travelers should plan ahead due to increased demand and higher prices.
December offers vibrant landscapes and festive energy, but travelers should plan ahead due to increased demand and higher prices.
January
HIGH
13-23°C
Warm temperatures with low chance of precipitation.
Warm temperatures with low chance of precipitation.
Open
Limited availability; advance booking recommended.
Limited availability; advance booking recommended.
Recommended
January offers warm weather and clear skies, making it an excellent time for the TranzAlpine journey. However, it's peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and limited availability. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
January offers warm weather and clear skies, making it an excellent time for the TranzAlpine journey. However, it's peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and limited availability. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
February
HIGH
13-23°C
Warm temperatures with low chance of precipitation.
Warm temperatures with low chance of precipitation.
Open
Limited availability; advance booking recommended.
Limited availability; advance booking recommended.
Recommended
February continues the warm and clear weather, ideal for the TranzAlpine journey. As it's still peak season, prices remain high, and availability is limited. Early booking is advised.
February continues the warm and clear weather, ideal for the TranzAlpine journey. As it's still peak season, prices remain high, and availability is limited. Early booking is advised.
March
MEDIUM
11-21°C
Mild temperatures with slightly increased chance of precipitation.
Mild temperatures with slightly increased chance of precipitation.
Open
Better availability; booking still recommended.
Better availability; booking still recommended.
Recommended
March offers mild weather and fewer crowds as the peak season winds down. Prices are more reasonable, and availability improves, making it a good time to experience the TranzAlpine journey.
March offers mild weather and fewer crowds as the peak season winds down. Prices are more reasonable, and availability improves, making it a good time to experience the TranzAlpine journey.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Shuttle
Recommended
Taxi
Recommended
Bike
Car
Walking
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required