Arthur's Pass New Zealand – Top Things to Do in the Southern Alps

The most popular Train Journeys of New Zealand refer to three iconic scenic train trips that offer remarkable travel experiences across the country. These journeys are:

• The Northern Explorer: A day-long train trip between Auckland and Wellington, passing through the stunning North Island landscapes and featuring highlights like the volcanic heart of the North Island and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tongariro National Park.
• The Coastal Pacific: A picturesque journey along the east coast of the South Island, connecting Picton and Christchurch. This trip offers breathtaking views of the Kaikōura Ranges, Pacific Ocean, and various charming settlements.
• The TranzAlpine: Renowned internationally, this train journey crosses the Southern Alps, providing a coast-to-coast travel experience between Christchurch and Greymouth. It showcases the stunning Southern Alps, Arthur’s Pass National Park, and diverse forest landscapes.

All three journeys offer luxurious and comfortable travel with spacious carriages, large panoramic windows, and the option to step out into the Open-Air Viewing Carriage. Scenic Café cars provide delightful meals, drinks, and snacks, while passengers can explore towns and settlements along the way for overnight stays.

The Northern Explorer Train, Coastal Pacific Train, and TranzAlpine Train offer several common features across their services:

• Scenic Class Carriages: Passengers can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand's landscapes from the comfort of Scenic Class carriages, providing an immersive journey through the heart of the country.
• Open-air Viewing Carriages: Step outdoors to experience nature up close and immerse yourself in the magnificent scenery as you travel.
• Scenic Cafe: Indulge in the journey with locally sourced food and drinks available at the Scenic Cafe on board, enhancing your travel experience.
• Audio Commentary: Stay engaged and informed by listening to audio commentary that provides insights into the stories and history of the landscapes you pass by, adding depth to your journey.

These features collectively enhance the travel experience, allowing passengers to appreciate New Zealand's stunning landscapes while enjoying the convenience and comfort of these train services.

The Scenic Plus Experience on the TranzAlpine train journey offers passengers an upgraded and enriched travel experience through New Zealand's spectacular landscapes. Passengers opting for the Scenic Plus Experience can savour regional cuisine with a specially crafted menu, accompanied by the captivating stories of onboard hosts. The experience extends to an exclusive Open-air viewing carriage, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in the breathtaking scenery and fresh air. This premium offering adds a sensory and immersive dimension to the TranzAlpine journey, making it a truly unforgettable and luxurious way to explore the South Island's stunning landscapes and cultural narratives.

The TranzAlpine train journey spans 223 kilometres across New Zealand's South Island, traveling between Christchurch and Greymouth. The route traverses diverse landscapes, from Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps via Arthur's Pass. This nearly 5-hour adventure offers panoramic windows and an open-air viewing carriage, showcasing river gorges, high plains, and lakes. Scenic commentary enriches the experience. Scenic Plus dining features regional cuisine and storytelling. An immersive journey that captures the essence of South Island's beauty, the TranzAlpine train delivers an unforgettable rail experience connecting the east and west coasts through breathtaking scenery.

Absolutely, Train Journeys in New Zealand present travel packages that seamlessly integrate train journeys with diverse activities and accommodations. These all-encompassing packages frequently encompass stays in various destinations, guided tours, and activities that harmonize with the train experience. This approach facilitates exploration of different facets of New Zealand while benefiting from thoughtfully designed travel plans. To delve into these offerings, check our website or connect with our Reservations team for detailed information and bookings.