TranzAlpine
Leaving ChristchurchAfter passing the suburban bungalows of Christchurch, the TranzAlpine crosses the flat, open farmland of the Canterbury Plain. |
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Towards the alpsFirst signs of the Southern Alps soon appear |
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Braided riversThe climb into the Southern Alps begins beside the broad braids of the ice-fed Waimakariri ("Cold Water" in Maori) river. |
New Zealand on screenThe Lord of the Rings, and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe are just two of the films featuring magnificent landscapes not far from Springfield |
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A landscape of contrastsBefore the journey ends, tussock land like this will turn into lush rain forest. |
Skiers off, muffins onSpringfield is the closest town to five Canterbury ski fields and a place for the TranzAlpine to load up on famous freshly baked muffins |
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Arthur's PassStretch your legs 737 metres above sea level at Arthur’s Pass, or spend longer here and explore this alpine national park |
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Cheeky KeasWatch out for the world's only alpine parrot at Arthur's Pass |
Moana and Lake BrunnerMoana can be a 3-hour scenic stop-off that gives TranzAlpine return-trip passengers the option of a range of activities on and around Lake Brunner |
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Reaching The CoastGlory days of gold, coal and jade, and the isolation of the wild west coast have helped shape Greymouth’s character |
The trip of a lifetime
Truly one of the world’s great scenic train trips through the dramatic contrast of dry beech forests and tussock land on one side of the Alps and lush green landscapes on the other.
From Christchurch, cross the patchwork farmland of the Canterbury plains, follow the Waimakariri river, climbing into alpine scenery on a series of spectacular viaducts. Then, after stopping at Arthur's Pass, emerge from the long Otira Tunnel and descend through sub tropical rain forest past beautiful Lake Brunner and on to Greymouth.
For the timetable scroll down this page.
Experience the magic of the TranzAlpine, with a journey through the Southern Alps. From $152 return. Conditions apply.
Kerry
Dunedin, NZ
A fantastic trip to Greymouth and back via Arthur’s Pass. The views were amazing, the seats comfortable and the Chicken Curry was excellent.
Paul & Nichola
Hertfordshire, England
Muffin Stop
Springfield is the TranzAlpine stop for freshly baked muffins
Castle Hill
Go bouldering on the unique rock formations of Castle Hill
"Awesome! Take your warm clothes because the outside carriage is the best way to see the countryside the train goes through!"