Editor Pick
Tranzalpine Train
- October 23, 2000
- Rated 4 of 5 by
JuneSmiles from Dublin, Ireland
This train journey 231km long and takes 4.5 hours. There are 16 tunnels and the highest viaduct is 73 metres. It is listed as one of the world's most scenic train journeys and I can now appreciate why.
The views are stunning. A word of advice though - there are many carriages with seats (all passengers are allocated a specific seat) but to take the best photos you need to go up to the viewing car which is open air - get there early because as soon as they announce that there is something worth seeing EVERYONE heads up and you won't get to see anything). Also, wear something warm when heading up there as it gets cold after a while.
Arthurs Pass is quite stunning - you reach 737 metres and it is surrounded by snowy mountains - absolutely breath taking.
This journey is well worth it.
The only draw back is that by the time you take a photo of the view the train will have moved on and you end up with a photo of a bush or a wall!
From journal Christchurch - The Garden City