This Scenic New Zealand Train Ride Is One Of The Best In The World, According To Travelers

There is something timeless about settling into a train seat as the world moves past outside your window. Just as adopting a childlike mindset makes traveling more whimsical, this form of travel has long captured human imagination as a symbol for romance, introspection, and adventure. Train journeys are often portrayed as such in films like "Before Sunrise," "Anna Karenina," or "The Darjeeling Limited." Around the globe, specific routes amplify this allure, drawing travelers who seek more than just transportation and crave an immersion in the stunning environments. The train from Colombo to Badulla line in Sri Lanka winds through misty tea plantations, while Switzerland's Glacier Express traverses alpine passes and viaducts. Japan's bullet trains, like the Shinkansen, combine high-speed efficiency with epic views, and the most scenic train rides in the U.S. highlight the country's beauty. Among these iconic train rides stands New Zealand's TranzAlpine route. 

Taking the TranzApline train is frequently hailed by riders as a remarkable journey through an untamed natural landscape that dramatically shifts from one coast to the other. It cuts through the South Island's mountainous core to reveal a variety of terrains steeped in beauty. The route spans 139 miles from Christchurch on the East Coast to Greymouth on the West, and lasts just under five hours. Tickets start at $249 New Zealand dollars for a one-way trip (approximately $140 USD). It runs year-round, but many travelers swear by late winter rides, when the snow covers the peaks and creates a fairy-tale scene perfect for cozying up with a warm drink while gazing out the window. 

Riders might describe the TranzAlpine as a moving postcard, where the scenery evolves from gentle farmlands to towering mountaintops in just a few hours. Beginning in Christchurch, known for its lush gardens, the train moves towards the Canterbury Plains, a vast expanse of green fields and pastures. As the route continues west, the landscape begins to change near Springfield, the unofficial gateway to the Southern Alps. Here, the views transform into something epic: rivers twisting around each other like snakes, pristine lakes, and cliff-lined gorges where turquoise waters carve through the rock faces. 

The ascent into the mountains is a heart-pounding highlight, climbing over 2,900 feet to Arthur's Pass, the highest point of the ride. Here, the train briefly stops. Riders get out to find they are surrounded by jagged peaks piercing the clouds, and snag photos of the iconic Arthur's Pass sign before continuing the journey. The train crosses steel bridges over deep valleys, including the Staircase Viaduct, 239 feet above the Waimakariri River. It slips through several tunnels, including the 5.3-mile Otira Tunnel (also called the Great Divide), one of the longest in the country, to emerge on the west side of the mountains. 

Other noteworthy stops include Moana, situated near Lake Brunner, which marvels during winter as it quietly reflects the snowy peaks nearby. The train makes a pitstop here, and travelers can disembark to stretch their legs. The final destination is Greymouth, an old mining hub that opens doors to further natural exploration, like nearby Paparoa National Park, famous for its pancake rocks and blowholes.

While planning every little detail of your trip might be a bad idea, a bit of planning can go a long way on the TranzAlpine line. Travelers recommend booking tickets in advance, especially during the peak summer months from December to February, when demand is high. The train departs daily from late September to early May, and drops to four days a week during the shoulder seasons.

Seating strategy matters for optimal views, and if you're prone to motion sickness, consider facing the direction the train is moving. Aim to sit on the right side of the train when heading to Greymouth from Christchurch to get the best views of the scenery; switch for the return trip. While seats are assigned and must be used during departure and arrival, you're free to wander the carriages while the train is in motion. Explore various perspectives, including the open-air viewing car, where the lack of windows is great for photographers.

The Scenic Cafe onboard offers locally inspired food and drinks, from savory pies, salads, cheeses, and all-day breakfast, to some of the country's best wines and beers. The cafe car offers a nice opportunity to refuel while the world unfolds outside. Riders can also upgrade to a Scenic Plus ticket. This ticket includes priority boarding, table service, roomier seating, and narrated commentary through headphones on the area's history, flora, and fauna. Riders say the narration adds depth to this unique travel experience.