New Zealand’s South Island is a pristine expanse of rugged landscapes, windy rivers and snow-capped mountain ranges. It's truly a spectacular sight – one that, before 30 years ago, was reserved for those who could traverse this wild terrain.
The TranzAlpine train has made traveling across the South Island accessible to travelers, and since 1987, has given riders a chance to see the small towns and beautiful vistas between Christchurch on the east coast and Greymouth on the west coast.
The ride is relatively short – just under 5 hours – but the journey feels like it passes by in an instant because there is so much to see. The route goes across the Canterbury Plains and passes through dramatic river valleys and gorges, 16 tunnels and across 4 viaducts.
Passengers can enjoy the picturesque scenery of beech forests, lakes and the Southern Alps from the open-air viewing carriage or while enjoying a meal in the self-service buffet car. It’s a journey that is both adventurous and luxurious.
There’s a reason why the TranzAlpine is considered one of the world’s most beautiful train rides. Here are 10 sights you’ll see that prove it.
1. Christchurch
The journey on the TranzAlpine begins in Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island. It’s a city that has an urban feel with trendy cafes and restaurants, but you can escape the city vibes quite easily. Just outside the city, outdoor lovers can go hiking, mountain biking and even skiing during the winter months. At the coast, beachgoers can enjoy surfing or watch whales, dolphins and other marine life.
2. The Canterbury Plains
TranzAlpine through the Canterbury Plains — Photo courtesy of Kiwirail
The Canterbury Plains feature wide open spaces dotted with farm fields that are framed by snow-capped mountain ranges. The Plains cover a large portion of the journey and are also where passengers will ride over stunning gorges and see the unique braided river system of the Waimakariri River before reaching Arthur’s Pass.
3. The Southern Alp Mountain Range
Years ago, the town of Springfield was the end of the line for the railroad. The Southern Alps were a natural blockade, a seemingly impossible mountain range to cross. But a path was agreed upon and construction began, allowing the TranzAlpine to connect to the western coast of the Southern Island.
So you won’t just see the Southern Alps in the distance on this ride. The TranzAlpine train traverses through the mountain range, giving passengers an up-close look at the highest mountain range in Australasia.
4. Staircase Viaduct
TranzAlpine crossing the Staircase Viaduct — Photo courtesy of Kiwirail
Passengers on the TranzAlpine will encounter four viaducts on their journey, but one of the most splendid architectural feats is the 75-meter-tall Staircase Viaduct. The lofty viaduct carries passengers over a small stream that empties into the Waimakariri River.
5. Waimakariri River Gorge
Riding along the Waimakariri River — Photo courtesy of Kiwirail
The TranzAlpine train travels along the Waimakariri River Gorge for several miles, allowing passengers to get a glimpse of the aqua-blue icy river below.
6. Mount Binser
On the edge of Arthur’s Pass National Park, you’ll get a great view of Mount Binser, which stands at 1,859 meters.
7. Arthur’s Pass National Park
To the east of the park, you’ll see riverbeds and beech forests. To the west, there is a dense rainforest with deeply gorged rivers. Arthur’s Pass is the highest pass over the Southern Alps, which was discovered by surveyor Arthur Dudley Dobson in 1864 and was used by Maori hunting parties as a route between the east and the west.
8. Taramakau River
Once you leave the stop in Otira, the mighty Taramakau River, which stretches for 75 kilometers into the Tasman Sea, will come into view. It’s a scenic, nature-filled ride before reaching the fishing town of Moana and Lake Brunner.
9. Lake Brunner
Nestled within the Southern Alps is Lake Brunner, one of the largest lakes in the South Island of New Zealand. The 40-square-kilometer lake has only one town on its shores: Moana, a tiny settlement on the northern side of the lake. Moana is also a stop for the TranzAlpine train and is only 31 kilometers from Greymouth, which is the end of the line.
10. Greymouth and the west coast
The western coast of New Zealand’s South Island is one of the most breathtaking. Rivers, rainforests and glaciers can all be enjoyed along the western coast.
The town of Greymouth, which is the end of the line for the TranzAlpine, is a great place to start an outdoor adventure, like glacier hiking or sea fishing, or a place to take in some local culture, like learning about the history of gold mining in nearby Shantytown or enjoying local beers at the Monteith brewery.