Country Guides to New Zealand

New Zealand Railway Journeys

Without question, New Zealand has some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere in the world, which is why a train journey through it is a must for any visitor.

There can be few better countries in the world than New Zealand to take a scenic train journey in - and luckily it has two of the best.

The TranzAlpine rail journey traverses the South Island's Southern Alps of New Zealand, from the Pacific Ocean in the east to the Tasman Sea in the west, past varied and breathtaking scenery.

The TranzCoastal train runs from Picton to Blenheim and Kaikoura before arriving in Christchurch. New Zealand's stunning coastal scenery makes this a photographer's dream.

New Zealand trains

TranzAlpine Railway

Making the great traverse of the Southern Alps, the TranzAlpine train links Christchurch on the Pacific with Greymouth on the Tasman Sea, in a spectacular journey lasting four and a half hours. After the alluvial Canterbury Plains the track rises steadily, hugging the contours of spectacular river valleys, to cross dramatic Arthur’s Pass before descending, through podocarp forest and past Lake Brunner, to the western coast. Although not luxurious, the train itself is comfortable and well equipped, with an open-air viewing carriage and panoramic windows that allow you to relax and appreciate the passing scenery.

TranzCoastal Railway

Linking the port of Picton with the city of Christchurch, the TranzCoastal railway offers a fantastic opportunity to discover the east coast of the South Island. The tracks pass through the undulating hills and vineyards of the Marlborough region, and trace the east coast through Kaikoura. Around here you have the dramatic peaks of the Kaikoura Range on one side and the crashing South Pacific Ocean on the other - the scenery is incredible. The journey takes around five hours to complete.