Tranz Scenic Rail

Photo #1 of 6 . Swipe for more photos. TranzAlpine Departing Christchurch and Greymouth daily The Christchurch Earthquake Update KiwiRail resumes TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to West Coast. From Monday 7 March, the iconic TranzAlpine train will begin running between Christchurch and Greymouth. The TranzAlpine and TranzCoastal were suspended following the earthquake in Christchurch on 22 February. The TranzAlpine has been suspended until now so resources could be concentrated on the important task of keeping supplies to Christchurch moving via KiwiRail Freight. 'We now have the resources available, staff are ready to come back to work and we have passengers wanting to travel on one of the world's great train trips,' comments Deborah Hume, KiwiRail's General Manager Rail Passenger. 'We can also support local suppliers and tourism businesses in Canterbury and the West Coast.' The TranzAlpine will resume operations with an 8.15am departure from the Christchurch passenger railway station in Troup Drive, which was undamaged in the earthquake. 'It sends a clear signal that, while Christchurch city centre has been affected, the rest of New Zealand still has stunning scenery and is very much open for tourism business.' Update information and booking enquires - call free 0800 872 467. Last updated 1930hrs, Friday 4 March 2011. The TranzAlpine – Christchurch to Greymouth, rated one of the world's great scenic railway journeys! The TranzAlpine scenic train journey travels between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. From your carriage you'll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth – a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the always popular glaciers. The TranzAlpine journey is an ideal weekend getaway or honeymoon vacation highlight. All carriages include both one way seating and tabled group seating allowing you to experience the amazing views while enjoying the company of other passengers on-board. An open air viewing carriage allows you to get even closer to the stunning scenery and provides many opportunities to photograph your favourite spots. There's a lot to look forward to! Our train journey sets off from Christchurch - New Zealand's largest city on the South Island. The trip is 223.8 kilometres long and takes just four and a half hours. There are 19 tunnels, and 4 viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing at 73 metres. The TranzAlpine departs Christchurch and Greymouth daily. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a longer trip, tour New Zealand's South Island from one coast to the other by train and relax while rediscovering the uniqueness of train travel. Photo copyright Tranz Scenic Rail.

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TranzAlpine Express

Overview

Children
The infant age is between 0-23 months, the child age is between 2-14 years inclusive. Children aged from two years must be allocated a seat. All children under the age of 14 years must be accompanied by an adult. An infant travels free if seated on an adults knee one infant per adult can travel in this manner. If an infant under two years of age is to travel in a car seat , a seat is to be allocated at the applicable fare.


Senior Discounts
Our Senior Saver fares are available all year to all persons 55 years of age and over. Senior Saver fares offer 30% discount off the standard adult fare and bookings can be made by phoning us on 0800 TRAINS (872 467) or at your local Tranz Scenic accredited agent. Presentation of proof of age may be required. Senior discounts are only available on the TranzAlpine and TranzCoastal services.


Backpacker/YHA cardholders
Our backpacker/YHA cardholder fares are available all year and offer a 20% discount off the standard adult fare. Bookings can be made by phoning us on 0800 TRAINS (872 467) or at your local Tranz Scenic accredited agent. This discount is available on the TranzAlpine and TranzCoastal services.


Baggage
Tranz Scenic advises passengers to insure all baggage and personal items. Please remember to attach labels with your contact details at your destination.

Checked Baggage Allowance: 2 items per person, maximum weight 20 kg per item. Size must be no more than 200 linear cm (height plus length plus width).

Baggage between 20-30kg: we require your assistance in loading and unloading your bag from the baggage van or you can repack into bags provided to meet the 20kg per item limit.

Baggage over 30kg: will not be accepted, your baggage will need to be repacked into bags provided to meet the 20kg per item limit.

Extra Baggage (eg surfboard, bicycles) will be carried only if space is available at a cost of $10 per item per service. Hazardous or offensive items will be rejected at check-in. Hand Baggage, which is obstructing passenger areas, will be moved to the baggage van.


Bicycles
Bicycles are charged at a rate of $10 per train service and are limited to one per passenger. Passengers are advised to book in advance as space is limited on all services and transport of bicycles which are not pre-booked cannot be guaranteed. Removal of pedal, folding of handlebars, covering of chains and all sharp edges may be requested.


Alcohol
All Tranz Scenic services are fully licensed. A range of alcoholic beverages is available for purchase onboard. Passengers are prohibited from taking their own alcohol onboard any Tranz Scenic service for consumption during travel. Passengers transporting alcohol (e.g. a case of wine) are asked to have it carried in the baggage van en route.


Smoking
By law all Tranz Scenic trains are designated non-smoking services. Passengers may not smoke anywhere onboard.


Animals
No animals are permitted on Tranz Scenic trains other than seeing-eye d