by Charlotte Bellamy

Created on: August 25, 2008

New Zealand, renowned for its beauty and scenery is a fantastic place to take scenic train route. Not only do you get to see parts of the country inaccessible by car, but you get to do it in comfort and within a reasonable budget. Other than the scenic train routes, rail travel in New Zealand is extremely minimal, except for within and around the larger cities.

Tranz Scenic is New Zealand's only passenger rail company, and as such, finding information on the scenic routes available within New Zealand is a simple click to one web site www.tranzscenic.co.nz

With the three main scenic rail routes described below offering numerous stops en route, there are a multitude of destinations which can be explored in addition to your complete journey departure and arrival points. The Scenic Rail Pass provides an easy to use, great value ticket option which lets you travel about New Zealand on the rail network at your own timetable. You can decide on your own itinerary, make a stop when you wish, and travel as many times as you like within the valid timeframe of this flexible pass. The rail pass is designed for independent travellers wanting to experience the opportunities which rail travel offers in New Zealand, and covers the two Tranz Scenic routes with the Overlander option being an additional add on.

Within the country there are three major scenic routes.

The TranzAlpine
A trip on this scenic train route will take you coast to coast across the South Island of New Zealand, from Christchurch in the east to Greymouth in the west.

During this stunning trip you will see the Canterbury Plains, recognized for their farming and agricultural scenery, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. The train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth.

The train journey is 223.8 kilometers long and takes just four and a half hours, so can be included easily into any itinerary. During the trip you will go through 16 tunnels, and over 5 viaducts. The TranzAlpine departs Christchurch and Greymouth daily. With all carriages offering both one way and tabled seating in addition to an open air viewing carriage, you will be able to experience the amazing views easily. With stops at ten destinations in addition to Christchurch and Greymouth, access to some stunning and remote locations through the centre of the South Island is just a train ride away.

The TranzAlpine journey is an ideal weekend

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