The TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth is a world-class journey through one of the most striking natural landscapes on the planet. And winter is a great time to do it. From the comfort of the carriage, passengers are treated to exceptional views of snow-dusted mountain ranges, forests and lakes. And whether you’re wanting to stop and explore, or you’d rather enjoy the sights from the warmth of the train, this journey has something for everyone.
To give you an idea of the magic you can experience along the way, we’ve highlighted our top sights from aboard the train, and beyond. So check out the TranzAlpine train fares, and start planning your travel adventure through a true winter wonderland.
TranzAlpine Train Day Trip
When the weather’s nipping, you may be more inclined to stay aboard the train for the majority of the journey. The complete excursion there-and-back can be done in a day, leaving Christchurch at 8 am, and arriving back in the garden city at 6:30 pm – making the TranzAlpine train a perfect day trip. So here’s how you can make the most of your journey.
Aboard the train
With roomy seating, wide windows and a licensed café, you’ll be in complete comfort from the moment you hop aboard. Sit back, order a freshly brewed hot drink, browse the selection of hot food and watch the winter wonderland roll by your window.
From the arm of your chair, you can tune in to our audio commentary – a medley of myths, facts and interesting anecdotes. You’ll step off the train with an abundance of freshly acquired insider knowledge about the various peaks, national parks and viaducts along the track.
Now that you’re comfortable, here are a couple of the best scenes you can catch from the comfort of your seat.
Canterbury Plains
You can enjoy the iconic Canterbury Plains within minutes of getting on-board. The plains sprawl like a magnificent patchwork quilt from Christchurch all the way to Springfield.
You’ll be on the edge of your seat when you reach the end of the seemingly endless plains, where the monumental Southern Alps tower above the small town of Springfield. But it’s the panoramic scenes between Springfield and Arthur’s Pass that really embody all things winter wonderland.
Waimakariri Gorge
As you leave Springfield behind and start the traverse into the snowy mountain territory, you’ll eventually reach the majestic Waimakariri Gorge. With the striking aqua river contrasting with the ashy ridges on either side, this is a photographer’s dream come true. Your journey takes you over the Staircase Gully Viaduct, a vibrant red structure standing boldly against the earthy tones of the gorge, 240 feet above the bed of the stream. And when you’re travelling that high up on the tracks, there are gorgeous photo opportunities around every bend.
Arthur's Pass
Ascending more than 900 metres through the National Park, this is the highest and most breathtaking pass across the Southern Alps. The train stops here at around 10:52 am for just 15 minutes before continuing the journey. So if you’re planning on staying on the train for the entire journey, this is your chance to wrap up, hop off and stretch your legs. But if you’re planning on staying until the train returns at 4:28 pm, make sure you bring your winter-woollies. Many of the best things to do here are outdoorsy-activities.
Winter-walks-a-plenty
There are several bush tracks within walking distance of the Arthur’s Pass train station, making it an ideal day stop to explore the natural beauty the South Island is famous for.
At 2km, the Devil’s Punchbowl takes only an hour there and back, so it’s perfect for walkers of all ages and abilities. Across bridges, through beech forests and up 240 steps will take you to the mammoth falls the walk is named after. You’ll be stunned at the sheer force of the fresh mountain water powering from the 131m falls. Click here for instructions on getting there from the station so you’re ready to go. And in between walks, warm up again with a lovely lunch at the Wobbly Kea. With a delicious range of home-made cakes and local coffee, you’ll be snug, recharged and ready to brace another nature walk in no time, before hopping back on the train later in the afternoon.
Moana and Lake Brunner
Another stop worth hopping off to explore is the quaint fishing town of Moana. With the gorgeous snowy mountains reflecting in the expansive Lake Brunner, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a spot of lunch and some sightseeing.
There are plenty of beautiful walks within metres of the train station, ranging from a 20-minute track right through to an hour-long loop. The Rakaitane Track takes walkers across a long suspension footbridge. Then through a forest coated with a spongy floor of native moss and ferns, protected by the canopy of slender kahikatea trees. This track takes around 30-minutes’ return at just 1.2km, so it’s the perfect length for a winter stroll.
After you’ve finished walking around the lake, it might be time for a bite. We recommend the Kingfisher Restaurant and bar, located in the original historic hotel just a couple of minutes’ walk from the train station. With a spectacular view of the lake, delicious pizzas and burgers on the menu and an array of local wines and beers on tap, it’s a great spot to have a meal and a drink while you wait for the return train at 3:03 pm. They even offer accommodation if you want to stay the night. Plus, if you need to warm up after your walk, they have a fireplace which is almost always roaring.
Overnight in Greymouth
If you are completing the TranzAlpine train journey you will arrive in the old mining town of Greymouth on the wild-west coast, at 1:05 pm. The train does stop here for an hour before taking passengers back to Christchurch at 2:05 pm, but this one might be worth staying overnight for. And if you’re spending the night we recommend looking into car hire companies, conveniently located at Greymouth Train Station.
Just a 45-minute drive north of Greymouth takes you to Punakaiki on the edge of the Paparoa National Park. This is a great base to experience the sublime natural forces of the wild West Coast. See the unique stacked layers of the Punakaiki pancake rocks and the dynamic blowholes surging jets of water high into the sky.
It’s no secret New Zealander’s love their beer, and the West Coast is home to Monteith’s brewery, one of the biggest and most popular beer producers. So why not take a tour? It’s a chance to see the beer-making process up close and personal and learn the art of tap pouring without all the froth.
If you’re only staying for an hour, we’d recommend having a bite at the local pub—the Speights Ale House. It’s considered a category one historic building, built back in 1909. With a wholesome menu and tours of the brewery behind “the pride of the south” on offer, the Speights Ale House Greymouth is always a people pleaser.
Toasty travels on the TranzAlpine train
Famed for being one of the South Island’s greatest attractions, the TranzAlpine train is a treat for the soul the whole journey through. And winter is the prime time to experience it all. Ticking all the boxes for comfort and entertainment, this is the perfect trip if you’re planning on travelling New Zealand during winter. So pack your warmest wearables. These snowy sights will warm your heart long after you’ve hopped off the train.