TranzAlpine: Scenic Train Christchurch - Greymouth

“An absolutely amazing experience travelling on the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth! 🚆🏔️ What really stood out to me was the exceptional customer service. I travelled during some severe weather conditions, and there was a possibility that the train might only travel as far as Arthur’s Pass rather than continuing to Greymouth. The team kept us regularly informed by email throughout, which was incredibly reassuring. Even at check-in, they clearly explained our options, including a full refund or changing to another travel date if the journey could not continue. Thankfully, the track was cleared and we were able to continue all the way to Greymouth. The communication and care from the team throughout the uncertainty were genuinely appreciated. I also really enjoyed the onboard café. There isn’t a huge amount of space around the café to sit or stand, but you can easily take your food and drinks back to your seat and enjoy them while taking in the scenery. I specifically wanted a window seat, and the customer service team were incredibly kind and prompt in helping me change my seating. It made such a difference because the views throughout the journey were absolutely astounding! The mountains, valleys and changing landscapes were breathtaking, and having a window seat made the experience even more memorable. 🏔️✨ Overall, a fantastic journey with beautiful scenery, comfortable travel and, most importantly, a team of Great Journeys NZ that genuinely cared about keeping passengers informed and looked after. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to experience some of New Zealand’s spectacular landscapes by train.”

“This was, quite simply, one of those travel experiences that lives up to the mythology. We traveled Scenic Plus both ways, and it was absolutely worth it. From the moment we boarded, the service set the tone: on the way to Greymouth, Sasha (morning train), our Chief Officer, led a crew of consummate professionals-warm, attentive, and genuinely engaged. On the return journey, Anna (afternoon train) and her team matched that standard effortlessly. Both crews struck the perfect balance of hospitality and ease, pointing out scenic highlights at just the right moments while keeping everything flowing smoothly. The views were spectacular in both directions, even though the weather gave us two very different experiences. The outbound journey was a bit socked in-misty, moody, and dramatic-while the return was bright and sunny, revealing an entirely new landscape. It felt like two distinct journeys, and both were beautiful in their own way. Scenic Plus elevates the entire experience. The food was abundant and genuinely good, not just “train good,” thoughtfully paired with wine and served at a relaxed pace. Add in the open-air carriage, where you can step outside, feel the wind, and take in the scale of the Southern Alps without glass between you and the view-and it all becomes a bit dreamlike. This isn’t just transportation; it’s an experience. Unrushed, generous, and beautifully run. If you’re considering it, do Scenic Plus-and if you’re on the fence at all, trust me: it’s one of those rare journeys that feels special the whole way through.”

“Loved the TranzAlpine train ride It was comfortable and had table between the seats which was great for lunch and coffee cups and huge scenic windows to see the full beauty of NZs magnificent Southern Alps covered in snow,looking majestic. Native bush, and the braided rivers that just shone like silver on the bright sunny day. They have a buffet car with beautful scones and muffins as well as a small number of other choices. We were on the train 5 hours but it only felt like 3, a very worthwhile trip.”