Tours and Tickets to Experience TranzAlpine Train

Q: How much does it cost to visit the TranzAlpine Train in 2024?

Depending on what type of ride you book and during what season, you can book a TranzAlpine Train ticket for as little as US$156 for a regular standard Scenic ticket, but it can also run you as high as US$500 if you’re planning to upgrade to the Scenic Plus ticket option.

Q: What is the TranzAlpine Train, and what is its route?

The TranzAlpine Train is a scenic railway journey in New Zealand that traverses the Southern Alps between Christchurch and Greymouth. It's often touted as one of the world’s best train journeys and the route takes passengers past magnificent South Island landscapes, including mountain lakes, river gorges, and forests.

Q: How long does the TranzAlpine Train journey take?

The TranzAlpine Train journey typically takes about 4.5–5 hours to travel coast-to-coast across New Zealand's South Island. Covering approximately 139 miles (223 kilometers) between Christchurch and Greymouth, this world-renowned picturesque journey boasts spectacular scenery and a year-round schedule, offering passengers unforgettable vistas of mountain landscapes and lush forests.

Q: Are food and drinks available on the TranzAlpine Train?

Yes, food and drink are available to purchase onboard the TranzAlpine Train. There’s an onboard Scenic Cafe which serves a variety of different dishes, as well as a fully licensed bar. Sample dishes include a vegetarian pie, lamb shank, chicken salad, and a variety of cakes, snacks, and baked goods.

Q: What is the best time of year to take the TranzAlpine Train for optimal views?

The TranzAlpine Train offers spectacular views year-round, but many believe the best time to experience it is during the winter months. It’s during this time that the mountains are capped with snow and the landscapes are transformed into a winter wonderland, adding an extra layer of beauty to the journey.

20 results

Best Seller

TranzAlpine Train Journey from Greymouth to Christchurch

4.3

(195)

TranzAlpine Train Journey from Greymouth to Christchurch

4 hours 50 minutes

from $143

TranzAlpine Train Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth

Ride a train through the Southern Alps on a remarkable scenic journey aboard the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth. Enjoy views of native beech forest, snow-sprinkled mountains, the powerful Waimakariri River, and Arthur's Pass National Park from a comfortable carriage and open viewing deck. For getting the history and context of the landmarks along the railway, GPS-triggered audio commentary is available through headphones at every seat.

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4.3

(331)

TranzAlpine Train Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth

4 hours 50 minutes

from $143

Likely to Sell Out

Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch

Explore the Southern Alps on this day tour from Christchurch, which takes you by train on the way there and by car on the way back. Hop aboard your TranzAlpine train in Christchurch for the ride through the pastureland of the Canterbury Plains, through the Waimakariri Gorge, and up to Arthur’s Pass National Park. Explore the alpine village, take scenic walks, and visit a sheep farm before returning to Christchurch.

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4.6

(225)

Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch

Free Cancellation
9 hours 30 minutes

from $329

Arthur's Pass Discovery and TranzAlpine Train - Small Group Tour

Travel by TranzAlpine train to Arthur's Pass National Park, riding across the Canterbury Plains, then winding through the Waimakariri Gorge and into the heart of the Southern Alps on a day trip from Christchurch. Disembark at Arthur’s Pass Village, where you’ll explore the rainforests and mountains on short walks. This small-group tour limits the group size, ensuring a more personalized experience.

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4.8

(297)

Arthur's Pass Discovery and TranzAlpine Train - Small Group Tour

9 hours

from $526

Christchurch to Franz Josef One Way Day Tour with TranzAlpine

Travel from Christchurch to Franz Josef on one of New Zealand’s most iconic journeys, combining the legendary TranzAlpine train with a fully guided West Coast road trip. Glide through the Southern Alps by rail before meeting your Cheeky Kiwi guide and heading deep into glacier country. From turquoise gorges and wild black-sand beaches to rainforest-fringed lakes, this day is packed with bucket-list scenery. Small groups, passionate guides, and unforgettable landscapes, this is the West Coast done right.

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5.0

(29)

Christchurch to Franz Josef One Way Day Tour with TranzAlpine

Free Cancellation
12 hours

from $323

Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Christchurch to Picton

4.7

(95)

Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Christchurch to Picton

5 hours 40 minutes

from $156

Likely to Sell Out

4-Day Great Southern Island Circle Tour from Christchurch

View Franz Josef Glacier and experience a Milford Sound cruise on this 4-day semi-independent tour of New Zealand's South Island. You’ll travel by coach from Christchurch to Queenstown via the Canterbury Plains, Aoraki/Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo, then motor up the west coast to Greymouth before riding the TranzAlpine train on the return to Christchurch. Listen to narration on board as the driver highlights this scenic region from picturesque mountain peaks to deep fiords. Overnight accommodation and round-trip hotel transport are included.

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4.1

(19)

4-Day Great Southern Island Circle Tour from Christchurch

Free Cancellation
4 days

from $1,172

TranzAlpine and Arthur's Pass Day Tour from Christchurch

Journey through the breathtaking Southern Alps aboard the iconic TranzAlpine train, one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. Departing from Christchurch, travel through dramatic river gorges and alpine passes before disembarking in Arthur’s Pass (May–September) or Greymouth (October–April), where you’ll meet your guide and continue by modern Mercedes Sprinter. Enjoy free time in Arthur’s Pass Village to explore, walk to the impressive Devils Punchbowl Waterfall, or relax with a coffee, before returning via scenic stops at the remarkable Otira Viaduct and the unique limestone formations of Castle Hill, renowned for their natural beauty and cinematic history. - Scenic 10-hour experience combining the TranzAlpine train and guided return journey - Free time in Arthur’s Pass Village for walking, exploring, or relaxing - Visit the iconic Otira Viaduct and Castle Hill’s unique limestone landscapes

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254

TranzAlpine and Arthur's Pass Day Tour from Christchurch

Free Cancellation
12 hours

from $264

Likely to Sell Out

7-Day South Island Coastal Splendor Tour from Christchurch

Experience South Island of New Zealand on this seven day independent coach tour. Travelling by coach and train through the specular South Island of New Zealand. Your journey commences in Christchurch travelling on day one to Greymouth on the world famous TranzAlpine Train and then by road to Franz Josef. Then by road up the rugged West Coast, via Haast Pass and Wanaka to Queenstown. You will have three nights in Queenstown and during your stay there you will visit Milford Sound and enjoy a nature cruise on the sound. You will also have a full free day to explore the township on your own or partake in one of the many activities that are on offer. From Queenstown you will travel by road to Dunedin where you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city plus a day tour out onto the Otago Peninsula for a visit to Larnach Castle and for a wildlife cruise on the harbour during your two night stay. On your final day you will return to Christchurch by road where your 7 day tour will conclude.

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3.7

(6)

7-Day South Island Coastal Splendor Tour from Christchurch

Free Cancellation
7 days

from $1,642

10 Day North to South Island NZ Private Tour from Auckland

This signature 10-day, 9-night tour offers a perfect blend of daily travel, covering the majority of top attractions in both North Island (Auckland to Rotorua) and South Island (Christchurch to Milford Sound). The tour includes transfer flight, and optional handpicked activities, hotels & departure flight, ensuring you experience the best itinerary within your limited time in NZ without the hassles of planning endless things and driving long distances on your own. The itinerary is crafted to showcase the beauty of NZ in a relaxed style within an ideal number of days. Besides visiting many of the top attractions in NZ, enjoy the flexibility to choose your own desired activities or opt for unbelievably long list of 15-17 optional activities, ensuring a diverse experience. Enjoy the luxury of a private tour for your group, with a knowledgeable guide-driver and a vehicle exclusively for your group throughout the tour. Choose to finish at Auckland or Christchurch or Queenstown.

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5.0

(14)

10 Day North to South Island NZ Private Tour from Auckland

Free Cancellation
10 days

from $6,331

Price varies by group size

6 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Christchurch

This signature 6-day tour offers a perfect blend of travel per day covering the majority of top attractions in New Zealand's South Island, optional handpicked activities and accommodations. Experience the best of the South Island without the hassle of planning which attractions to visit, where to stay, what to do, all without driving long distances on your own. The itinerary ensures a relaxed experience. Enjoy the luxury of a private tour for your group. Benefit from a knowledgeable guide-driver and a vehicle exclusively for your group throughout the tour. Enjoy the flexibility to choose your own desired activities or opt for a range of exciting 9-10 optional activities, like a helicopter ride, TranzAlpine train ride, stargazing, jet boating, a Gondola ride, Kiwi park or Hot Pool Soak, Milford or Doubtful Sound cruise, a tour of Te Anau Glowworm caves, and Guided Kayaking or a Whale Cruise, or a Nature Cruise & an Alpaca farm visit. Choose to finish at Queenstown or Christchurch.

...More

5.0

(13)

6 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Christchurch

Free Cancellation
6 days

from $3,320

Price varies by group size

5 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Queenstown

This immersive 5 day tour from Queenstown offers you a perfect mixture of travel each day, visiting the majority of the top attractions in New Zealand's South Island. Enjoy optional handpicked activities and places to stay without needing to worry about planning or driving long distances yourself. The itinerary showcases the beauty of the South Island in a relaxed way. Enjoy comfort of a private tour for your group, benefiting from a knowledgeable guide-driver and a vehicle exclusively for your group throughout the tour. Enjoy the flexibility to choose your own desired activities or opt for a range of handpicked 8-9 optional activities, like a scenic helicopter ride, Milford or Doubtful Sound cruise, a unique tour of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, a scenic gondola ride, thrill jet boating, stargazing in Dark Sky Reserves, the TranzAlpine scenic train ride, and Guided Kayaking or a Whale Cruise, or a Nature Cruise & visiting an Alpaca farm. Start at Queenstown and finish at Christchurch.

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5.0

(10)

5 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Queenstown

Free Cancellation
5 days

from $2,879

Price varies by group size

12 Day New Zealand Private Tour from Auckland to Queenstown

This ultimate 12-day, 11-night tour offers a perfect blend of daily travel, covering majority of top attractions in both North Island (Auckland to Wellington) and South Island (Kaikōura to Stewart Island). It includes a transfer flight, and optional handpicked activities and luxury hotels, ensuring you experience the best itinerary within your limited time in NZ without the hassles of planning, coordinating endless details, and driving long distances on your own. The itinerary is crafted to showcase the beauty of NZ in an ultimate style for a lifetime memorable trip. Besides visiting many of the top attractions in NZ, enjoy flexibility to choose your own desired activities or opt for a curated mixture of 19–21 optional activities, ensuring an ultimate and diverse experience. Enjoy the luxury of a private tour, with a knowledgeable guide-driver and a vehicle exclusively for you throughout the tour. Start in Auckland and finish in Queenstown, both cities with international airports.

...More

5.0

(3)

12 Day New Zealand Private Tour from Auckland to Queenstown

Free Cancellation
12 days

from $8,020

Price varies by group size

Embark on an unforgettable 4-day journey through New Zealand's stunning South Island, exploring many of its major attractions and experiencing the serene beauty of each destination. Start your tour in the vibrant city of Christchurch and conclude in the adventure capital Queenstown. Take a ride on the iconic TranzAlpine Scenic Train to Arthur's Pass. Experience the serene beauty of Arthur's Pass National Park and marvel at the unique rock formations at Castle Hill. Immerse yourself in the majestic scenery of Mount Cook and the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki. Enjoy stargazing at the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best places in the world for night sky viewing. Discover the enchanting Te Anau Glowworm Caves and the sparkling waters of Milford or Doubtful Sound. Throughout the tour, benefit from the expertise of a knowledgeable guide-driver and enjoy a private vehicle exclusively for your group.

...More

5.0

(3)

4 Day Tour to Milford Sound, Mount Cook & More from Christchurch

Free Cancellation
4 days

from $2,101

Price varies by group size

14 Day Scenic New Zealand Discovery Private Tour

Discover New Zealand’s greatest wonders in one unforgettable journey—from glowworm caves and steaming geothermal pools to soaring glaciers, dramatic fjords, and star-filled skies. Drift through glowworm-lit caverns, walk at the foot of ancient glaciers, and stand beneath the clearest night skies on Earth. From Rotorua’s geothermal marvels to Fiordland’s fjords, Napier’s vineyards to Kaikoura’s wild seal colonies, each day reveals a new chapter of discovery. With private transfers, boutique stays, and handpicked activities, you’ll enjoy a seamless blend of iconic highlights and hidden gems. Whether it’s sipping wine by the sea, stargazing, or riding the legendary TranzAlpine train, New Zealand will capture your heart and take your breath away. This tour is the ultimate New Zealand story, written just for you.

...More

14 Day Scenic New Zealand Discovery Private Tour

Free Cancellation
14 days

from $9,991

Price varies by group size

6 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Auckland

This immersive 6-day tour gives a perfect mixture of travel each day, visiting the majority of top attractions in New Zealand's South Island. Enjoy included arrival flight, and optional handpicked activities & places to stay, without needing to worry about planning or driving long distances. The itinerary showcases the beauty of the South Island in a relaxed way. Enjoy the comfort of a private tour for your group. Benefit from a knowledgeable guide-driver and a vehicle exclusively for your group throughout the tour. Enjoy the flexibility to choose your own desired activities or opt for a range of exciting 9-10 optional activities, like a helicopter ride, TranzAlpine train ride, stargazing, thrill jet boating, a scenic Gondola ride, Kiwi park or Hot pool soak, a cruise in Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound, a tour of Te Anau Glowworm caves, and Guided Kayaking or a Whale Cruise, or a Nature Cruise & visiting an Alpaca farm. Choose to finish at Auckland or Christchurch or Queenstown.

...More

5.0

(7)

6 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Auckland

Free Cancellation
6 days

from $3,702

Price varies by group size

9 Day South to North Island NZ Private Tour from Queenstown

This signature 9-day, 8-night tour offers a perfect blend of daily travel, covering the majority of top attractions in both South Island (Milford Sound to Christchurch) and North Island (Rotorua to Auckland). The tour includes convenient transfer flight ticket, and optional must-do activities & luxury accommodations, ensuring you experience the best itinerary within your limited time in New Zealand without the hassles of planning endless things and driving long distances on your own. The itinerary is crafted to showcase the beauty of New Zealand in a relaxed style within an ideal number of days. Besides visiting and experiencing many of the top attractions in New Zealand, you may also opt for an unbelievably long list of renowned and carefully selected 14-16 activities, ensuring a diverse experience. Enjoy the luxury of a private tour, with a knowledgeable guide-driver and a vehicle exclusively for you. Start at Queenstown and finish at Auckland.

...More

5.0

(7)

9 Day South to North Island NZ Private Tour from Queenstown

Free Cancellation
9 days

from $5,993

Price varies by group size

5 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Dunedin

This immersive 5 day tour from Dunedin offers you a perfect mixture of travel each day, visiting the majority of the top attractions in New Zealand's South Island. Enjoy optional handpicked activities and places to stay without needing to worry about planning or driving long distances yourself. The itinerary is designed to showcase the beauty of the South Island in a relaxed way. Start your tour in the charming city of Dunedin and conclude in the vibrant city of Christchurch. Enjoy comfort of a private tour for your group, benefiting from a knowledgeable guide-driver and a vehicle exclusively for your group throughout the tour. Enjoy the flexibility to choose your own desired activities or opt for a range of exciting, handpicked 7 optional activities, like a scenic helicopter ride, a cruise in Milford or Doubtful Sound, a unique tour of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, a scenic gondola ride, thrill jet boating, stargazing in Dark Sky Reserves, and the TranzAlpine scenic train ride.

...More

5.0

(2)

5 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Dunedin

Free Cancellation
5 days

from $2,820

Price varies by group size

Embark on an unforgettable 4-day journey through New Zealand's stunning South Island, exploring many of its major attractions and experiencing the serene beauty of each destination. Start your tour in the adventure capital Queenstown and conclude in the vibrant city Christchurch. Enjoy ride to Arthur's Pass, marveling at the unique rock formations of Castle Hill, before returning on the iconic TranzAlpine Scenic Train. Immerse yourself in the majestic scenery of Mount Cook and the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki. Enjoy stargazing at the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best places in the world for night sky viewing. Discover the enchanting Te Anau Glowworm Caves and the sparkling waters of Milford or Doubtful Sound. Throughout the tour, enjoy the hospitality of a knowledgeable guide-driver, a comfortable vehicle, and scenic drives.

...More

5.0

(3)

4 Day Tour to Milford Sound, Mount Cook & More from Queenstown

Free Cancellation
4 days

from $2,086

Price varies by group size

Embark on an unforgettable 4-day journey through New Zealand's stunning South Island, exploring many of its major attractions. Start your tour in Auckland, one of the major gateways to NZ, and conclude in the vibrant city of Christchurch. Experience Queenstown's beauty while exploring Lake Wakatipu, Gardens, and lakeside streets. Thrill at 360-degree spins on a jet boat and enjoy panoramic views from Skyline Queenstown. Discover the enchanting Te Anau Glowworm Caves and the sparkling waters of Milford Sound. Immerse yourself in the majestic scenery of Mount Cook and the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki. Enjoy stargazing at the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best places in the world for night sky viewing. Drive to Arthur's Pass, marveling at the unique rock formations of Castle Hill, before returning on TranzAlpine Scenic Train. Throughout the tour, enjoy hospitality of a knowledgeable guide-driver, a comfortable vehicle, and scenic drives.

...More

5.0

(4)

4 Day Tour to Milford Sound, Mount Cook & More from Auckland

Free Cancellation
4 days

from $2,497

Price varies by group size

What are people saying about TranzAlpine Train

TranzAlpine Train Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth

Timothy_B, Jan 2026

Excellent Way to Experience New Zealand Alpines

Well organized, very professional staff, comfortable setting, and clean environment. An excellent way to experience the New Zealand Alpines.

TranzAlpine Train Journey from Greymouth to Christchurch

Paula_R, Dec 2025

World class train ride

The scenery is amazing. The train is clean and the ride smooth. Food and drink on board is very good. The staff are friendly and efficient.

TranzAlpine Train Journey from Greymouth to Christchurch

Lowen_S, Mar 2026

TAT Greymouth to Christchurch

Probably do it in late April or May. We enjoyed the trip. Well looked after by staff. Could buy food on train.

TranzAlpine Train Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth

Judith_R, Mar 2026

Relaxing, beautiful...

Relaxing, beautiful scenery in very comfortable seats! Great food from on board Cafe with very friendly staff!

Arthur's Pass Discovery and TranzAlpine Train - Small Group Tour

David_W, Feb 2025

Fun day out and nice train ride

Fun day out seeing the sights. We did the trip in reverse, (van first and then train back). Tour guide, Kate, was great and very informative. Did a little like hiking/walking around some cool rock formations and in a forested area. Highlight for me was seeing a bunch of juvenile Kea parrots flying around us. Train ride was pleasant with nice sights, but not life changing. Food on the train was very basic.

TranzAlpine Train Journey from Greymouth to Christchurch

Lynda_A, Feb 2026

Tranz Alpine Arthur's Pass journey highlight

We were luckily allocated front facing seats on the lefthand side of the carriage which another reviewer said were the best seats. Train ride was good but the highlight was Arthur's Pass which had dramatic views and lots of small tunnels. Staff continuously collecting rubbish and buffet car well stocked.

TranzAlpine Train

5.0

(1,267)

Christchurch

Know before you go

Large bags and suitcases must be checked into the baggage carriage, so pack a small day bag to take on board with you.
Onboard facilities include restrooms, a café carriage, and an open-air viewing deck, as well as charging stations for laptops and phones.
There’s time to get off and take in the views at some stations, so dress accordingly and bring warm clothing as it can get chilly in the mountains.
Wheelchair access is available at all stations.

Tours and Tickets to Experience TranzAlpine Train

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What are people saying about TranzAlpine Train

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