The TranzAlpine rail journey from Christchurch to Greymouth (New Zealand) is rated one of the world’s great scenic railway journeys.

The TranzAlpine scenic train journey travels from one coast of New Zealand to the other. The train journey sets off from Christchurch – New Zealand’s largest city on the South Island. Views from the train begin with fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River.

The train then climbs into the Southern Alps of New Zealand before descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth and the spectacular glaciers.

The trip is 223.8 kilometres long and takes just four and a half hours. There are 16 tunnels, and 5 viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing at 73 metres.