The TranzAlpine is one of the world’s great train journeys covering 223 kilometres (139 miles) one-way, taking just under 5 hours between Christchurch and Greymouth.

You’ll traverse the majestic Canterbury Plains, to the backdrop of the mighty Southern Alps.    Along this journey you’ll see epic vistas, travel the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, traverse the Southern Alps, and see miles of native beech forest.

The Coastal Pacific train runs daily throughout the summer season from Christchurch to Picton.

With the sea stretching to the horizon in the east and the Kaikoura mountains stretching to the sky in the west, the Coastal Pacific is one of the most astonishingly beautiful journeys in New Zealand.

Winding over iron viaducts and through tunnels carved over 100 years ago, the Taieri Gorge Railway winds through the spectacular scenery of the Otago Region on what used to be the Otago Central Railway.

Your adventure on New Zealand’s longest tourist railway departs from Dunedin’s grand historic railway station. Leaving the town, the tracks lead the train from the coast into the heart of the South Island.

The Taieri River Gorge is a deep canyon carved by the Taieri River, and your journey takes you alongside (and looking down on!) the river.

Whilst steaming over the wrought iron bridges and incredible landscapes, there is a full commentary available on board to learn a little more about the railway and its route, as well as onboard refreshments. Numerous stops afford passengers excellent photo opportunities.

Your trip on the railway can be included as a return journey to Pukerangi or Middlemarch, or even as part of a journey to Queenstown on the ‘Track & Trail’ coach connection service.