TranzAlpine: Scenic Train Christchurch - Greymouth (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is TranzAlpine: Scenic Train Christchurch - Greymouth?
What makes it 81% Kids-Friendly: Activity packs, table seating and discounted child fares engage 5-12s, yet the long 4-5 h sit and very limited space to move may test restless children, so bring extra games.
Positives:
- Comfortable Carriages: Spacious seats and quiet carriages make it easy to travel with kids.
- Onboard Café: Licensed café car offers snacks and hot drinks to satisfy young appetites.
Challenges:
- Single Toilet: Only one accessible toilet near the café can lead to short queues.
- Limited Luggage Space: Store strollers and bulky bags in the baggage car at check-in to keep aisles clear.
What is TranzAlpine: Scenic Train Christchurch - Greymouth?
- A scenic train service linking Christchurch and Greymouth across New Zealand’s Southern Alps
- A Great Journeys New Zealand operation under KiwiRail, featuring panoramic observation carriages and an onboard café
- A historic 223-kilometre railway corridor traversing Arthur’s Pass with tunnels, viaducts and alpine landscapes
What is so special about TranzAlpine: Scenic Train Christchurch - Greymouth for with kids?
- Kids stay engaged with free activity packs and audio commentary.
- Panoramic windows showcase mountains, forests and rivers.
- Highlights include Otira Viaduct photo stop and Devil’s Punchbowl walk.
- Shantytown Heritage Park offers gold-panning and steam train fun.
- Onboard café and reserved tables make the trip family-friendly.
Recommended visit duration: 4–5 hours
Why 4–5 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: The full journey from Christchurch to Greymouth takes about 4–5 hours, allowing families time for scenic stops and onboard activities without haste.
Kids-Friendly Activities in TranzAlpine: Scenic Train Christchurch - Greymouth
Panoramic Window Views:
Watch the Southern Alps, beech forests and braided rivers through large windows.
Tip: Ask for seats on the right side for mountain views and use the free audio guide for kids.
Family Activity Packs:
Enjoy complimentary coloring, origami and card games on board.
Tip: Request a table seat when booking to spread out games and snacks.
Otira Viaduct Photo Stop:
Capture the train crossing New Zealand’s longest rail viaduct.
Tip: Move quickly to the left carriage around Springfield for best photo angles.
Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall Walk:
Take a 2 km return track at Arthur’s Pass to a cascading waterfall.
Tip: Carry the kids’ rain jackets and sturdy shoes; the loop is rated easy.
Shantytown Heritage Park:
Pan for gold, ride a steam train and explore a 19th-century town.
Tip: Buy tickets online early for a 10 % saving and arrive at opening to avoid crowds.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to TranzAlpine: Scenic Train Christchurch - Greymouth
- Book Table Seating: Reserve early for a family table where kids can play games and eat together.
- Pre-order Snacks: Order sandwiches or muffins online before departure to save time onboard.
- Download Audio Guide: Save the commentary offline to entertain kids even if Wi-Fi is slow.
Reviews of TranzAlpine: Scenic Train Christchurch - Greymouth
Monique Blake
Part of our tour , we got to take this train from Christchurch to Arthur ‘s Pass .. Buy your tickets in advance, it’s busy and quite popular to do .. there is a locomotive that serves food and drinks , you pay with credit card.. what was Breathtaking, spectacular was the views.. the mountains , some with snowy tops, the rivers and lake with blue-green water .. this a must to do …
Sam Brun
Great trip on the coastal pacific, don't forget to bring snacks though, the cafe car is good but not great , it can get very busy too. The scenery is great, a must do for train enthusiasts or anyone wanting a relaxing way to see the island and coast.
Lillis Taylor
If I could, I'd give this scenic train line hundreds of stars. I had to stop off for a bourbon on my way back to the hotel because it just blew my mind. Train staff were so friendly and not one bend of the track disappointed. I took 2000 photos so that hopefully the experience is emblazoned on my mind.
Debcee
Great rail journey! Super helpful staff, great seating and very comfortable. There had been heavy rain the day before which meant less snow on the ground, but even so, spectacular scenery. Highly recommend!
Bindya Balakrishnan
Amazing service offered by everyone right from the ticket counter. It is always recommended to reserve your tickets online as there are limited seats. The topography changes quickly & beautifully in a way we feel some movie is on the screen. The coach was nice and comfortable with very clean & fresh interiors. The seats were spacious and comfortable with a table placed between every set of four s...
When is the best time to visit TranzAlpine: Scenic Train Christchurch - Greymouth (Christchurch, New Zealand)?
In summer (Dec–Feb), longer daylight highlights peaks—bring hats and sunscreen. In winter (Jun–Aug), dress in warm layers and watch for snow at Arthur’s Pass. Shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult train tickets (x2) | NZD 370 |
| Child train tickets (x2) | NZD 120 |
| Shantytown Heritage Park (4 tickets) | NZD 114 |
| Onboard café snacks | NZD 40 |
| Total Estimated | NZD 644 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of TranzAlpine: Scenic Train Christchurch - Greymouth
Address: Troup Drive, Addington, Addington, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
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About TranzAlpine: Scenic Train Christchurch - Greymouth
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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