The Christchurch to Greymouth train is a scenic rail journey from Christchurch to Arthurs Pass and Greymouth through the Southern Alps - from the east coast to the west coast of New Zealand's South Island.

Travelling west crossing the Canterbury Plains, the train slowly ascends through spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River towards the Southern Alps to the alpine village of Arthurs Pass for a short break before descending through the Otira Tunnel to the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island, through lush alpine beech rain forests to Greymouth – a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the always popular glaciers at Franz Josef and Fox Glacier.

The train's carriages have advanced air bag suspension system for quieter and smoother travel, un-tinted, non-reflective, panoramic side and roof windows to capture the beauty of the Southern Alps and alpine forest landscape views of the central South Island, GPS triggered journey commentary in five languages at your seat via headphones, plus information displays and overhead HD video and are centrally heated/air conditioned for passenger comfort.

Each carriage has onboard washroom/toilet facilities, with '2 Seat-Aisle-2 Seat' seating either as reclining  forward facing seats with head and foot rests or 'Table Group' (4 people around a table) seating allowing to experience the amazing views of the magnificent North Island, through panoramic side and roof windows, while enjoying the company of other passengers.

The train has a café carriage offering a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, snacks and light meals and an open viewing carriage for views of the Southern Alps and alpine rain forest landscape of the South Island's west coast. 

For mobility-impaired passengers, there are spaces for wheel chairs and a disabled public toilet. Wheelchair hoists provide access to the café carriage from track level.

For hearing-impaired passengers - a hearing loop covers all of the café carriage saloon and serving area. 

This train is a reserved seating 'One Class/Non-smoking' service.

You can travel on this scenic train service on RailBus New Zealand's Christchurch to Franz Josef and Queenstown or the Queenstown to Franz Josef and Christchurch scenic travel journeys.

This train connects at Greymouth with bus and coach services to Fox Glacier, Franz Josef, Wanaka, Westport, Te Anau, Hokitika, Punakaiki, Nelson and Queenstown. There is also a range of suggested 'Hop On/Hop Off' bus pass travel options available from Greymouth.

You can take a day excursion from Christchurch to either Arthurs Pass or Greymouth travelling on this train.

So, sit back and enjoy a genuine kiwi rail experience through the rugged Southern Alps and alpine rainforests of the South Island on this award winning train service.

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