The Tranz Alpine is rated as one of the seven most scenic train rides in the world. Spectacular views truly will keep you entertained on the 4.5 hour journey.
Leaving Christchurch on the East Coast of the Southern Island, the train travels across rolling green sheep pastures of the Canterbury Plains, winds through Waimakariri Gorge over teetering viaducts, climbs upward through forested foothills of the Southern Alps before beginning it's descent through lush rainforests and arriving at Greymouth on the West Coast. Vivid turquoise rivers -– with wide gravel plains bordered by riverbanks dotted with dainty yellow alpine flowers –- snake along forested mountains framed by jagged snow-capped peaks towering in the distance. Beautiful!
We left the train station at 9am on a gorgeous sunny day -– perfect for standing in the open observation car. When not outside absorbing the majestic views, we watched the ever-changing landscape through oversized picture windows from our cushy seats chatting with the young couple sharing our table. There was plenty of space for writing, reading, or eating.
A food car served meals and snacks. My hot breakfast roll had a fried egg, slimy slice of ham, and tasteless hashbrowns stuffed into a thick hoagie. David's chicken curry was bland and our Cokes flat. Not exactly what we'd envisioned for NZ$28, but it was train food.
The train stopped at Arthur's Pass just long enough to stretch our legs and breathe that fresh mountain air. Some passengers disembark here to wander the trails with intentions of catching the train five hours later on its return trip. But pity those who are late . . . there's no overnight lodging nearby.
We were supposed to arrive at 1:25pm and catch the Atomic Bus at 1:45pm for Franz Village. But the heat from the sun caused the railroad ties to buckle, delaying our trip an hour. Worried we'd missed our bus, we were quite relieved to see it had waited for us! We jumped in the van -– which quickly filled up with other train passengers –- and traveled 120 miles along bumpy, curvy roads to glacier country, instantly missing the smooth ride of the train.
Traveling by train was magnificent -- an excellent introduction to the mountainous region we were soon to explore.
The Tranz Alpine travels daily from Christchurch to Greymouth and back again. Most people travel by train one-way, continuing their journey to the glaciers and Queenstown to the west or Punakaiki Rocks and Nelson/Abel Tasman to the east.
***If you like tours check out Scenic Pacific. Sixteen train trips ranging from half-day (NZ$140) to 8 days (NZ$1285) include transportation, lodging, activities and guides. The Alpine Safari (NZ$285) includes jet boating through Waimakariri Gorge, journeying by unimog across a sheep station and traveling by train from Arthur's Pass back to Christchurch.
If you have the opportunity, don't pass it up!