I paid $320 for a round trip on one of the most scenic trains in the world. It was worth the ride — once.
I took a round-trip journey on the TranzAlpine, often called one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. The route runs across New Zealand’s South Island, connecting Christchurch and Greymouth through the Southern Alps.
During my six-week stay in New Zealand, I read countless recommendations about taking one of the country's iconic train journeys. Great Journeys New Zealand operates three main routes:
- Northern Explorer — between Auckland and Wellington
- Coastal Pacific — from Picton to Christchurch
- TranzAlpine — linking Christchurch and Greymouth
To make the most of a free day in Christchurch, I decided to indulge in the TranzAlpine experience, spending $320 on a round-trip ticket to see whether it truly lived up to its reputation.
My day started with a short Uber ride from my hostel to the Christchurch Railway Station at 7:30 a.m. The 10-minute trip cost around $8. When I arrived, the station buzzed with travelers hauling suitcases. I guessed that many were continuing their journeys down the South Island’s west coast after reaching Greymouth — a route I had thought about taking but ultimately skipped.
“It was worth the ride — once.”
Author’s Summary
The writer shares impressions of a $320 round-trip on New Zealand’s TranzAlpine train, noting that while stunning, it’s best experienced one way for maximum enjoyment.