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A Scenic Journey with KiwiRail

August 29, 2013 by Arianwen Morris 39 Comments

One of the toughest decisions most people face when they’re planning a trip down the South Island of New Zealand is which coast line to follow.

Arguably, the highlight of the west coast is the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, while on the east coast it’s possible to swim with dolphins and whale watch in Kaikora or to stop by in Mt Cook village for views of the country’s highest peak.

West Coast Day Tours

I’d almost resigned myself to sticking to the east coast the whole way down when I heard about KiwRail’s Scenic Journey between Christchurch and Greymouth.

KIWIRAIL

A Scenic Journey with KiwiRail - train in the snow

For the past 25 years, this historic passenger train has been marketed as a ‘scenic journey’, bringing some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery to local tourists and visitors.

SEATING

A Scenic Journey with KiwiRail - carrriage

KiwiRail has gone to a lot of trouble to make the journey as comfortable and memorable as possible. The seating areas are spacious and the windows are large and clean so that you can make the most of the spectacular views.

PICTURE OPPORTUNITIES

A Scenic Journey with KiwiRail - picture opportunity

Regardless of the time of year, the scenery is mesmerising. It changes as you pass along the route from Christchurch’s suburban bungalows into the Canterbury plains and on over gushing rivers, snowy mountain passes and through subtropical rainforest.

ARTHUR’S PASS

A Scenic Journey with KiwiRail - great views

Along the route are various stops where you can get off and stretch your legs for a few minutes, and none is more fun than Arthur’s Pass. In winter, it’s usually buried under a few feet of snow, providing a chance for kids big and small to get involved in a massive snow fight.

RELAXATION AND COMMENTARY

A Scenic Journey with KiwiRail - contemplating life

For the duration of the journey, a commentary system is activated by GPS to bring you information about the history, geography and ecology of the region. KiwiRail provides earphones and an alarm will alert you when commentary is in progress.

VIEWING DECK

A Scenic Journey with KiwiRail - viewing deck

For those who like to feel the wind rush by, there’s a good sized viewing deck from which you can capture clearer photos and some crisp, fresh air. Wrap up warm though. It gets very chilly up in the mountain passes, especially when the train has picked up speed.

 

IS THE SCENIC JOURNEY WITH KIWIRAIL WORTH IT?

If you want to make the most of the South Island, you should definitely consider this TranzAlpine train journey with KiwiRail. Not only will it give you the flexibility to see more of the country, it’s a little adventure in itself, plus you will learn loads of information about the local area.

–

I was a guest of KiwiRail. They did not request that I write a favourable review and any opinions expressed here are my own.

You can follow my Kiwi adventures on Twitter via the hashtag #ScaredBritless or check out my Facebook updates here. For more information about travelling in New Zealand, visit 100% Pure New Zealand.

Comments

  1. Jennifer says

    August 29, 2013 at 8:18 am

    I love scenic trains like this! Looks like they’ve done a great job of really allowing passengers to enjoy the journey.
    Jennifer recently posted..Wine Wednesday: Scenes from Istria’s Wine RoadsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      August 29, 2013 at 9:32 am

      Yeah, I was very impressed by how much effort they’d made to make it more of an experience and less of a necessity. Great company and great train ride!

      Reply
  2. Monica says

    August 29, 2013 at 11:09 am

    Looks gorgeous. Except your train companion who looks really really sad!
    Monica recently posted..What women should pack when travelling to IndiaMy Profile

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      August 29, 2013 at 11:36 am

      Ha, I know! It’s a shame, because the journey was amazing. I think she was just having a moment to herself. It was a 4-hour journey, so you could just sit back and stare at the scenery while collecting your thoughts. I’m sure she was enjoying it!

      Reply
  3. Becky Padmore says

    August 29, 2013 at 12:11 pm

    Looks like such a peaceful way to take in all the gorgeous views!
    Becky Padmore recently posted..Competition: Win a GoPro Hero for your next adventure worth £200My Profile

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      August 29, 2013 at 12:53 pm

      It certainly was. My only problem was not being able to decide if I should have a nap, watch the views go by, listen to the commentary, go and stand on the viewing deck or do some writing! It’s not often you have so much choice on public transport! Better that than getting bored though!

      Reply
  4. Mike | Earthdrifter says

    August 29, 2013 at 1:26 pm

    I wouldn’t have guessed that the kiwis have a rail, especially on the south island [wow, you’re so far away :-)]. I think trains are the best way to travel. Love the outdoor viewing deck. I haven’t seen winter in three years, looks beautiful. I’ll bet the air quality down there is delightful.
    Mike | Earthdrifter recently posted..The Saudi SkinnyMy Profile

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      August 29, 2013 at 1:39 pm

      Yeah, for such a modern country, it doesn’t have that many roads or rail lines. I was a bit concerned about getting round without a rental car before I went there, but it was actually very easy to use public buses and trains, and the small size of the country meant that none of the journeys seemed very long at all. They also make an effort to give plenty of information, which makes the time fly. A company bus service feels more like a guided tour!

      I agree trains are great. You can see so much more of the landscape and avoid traffic jams and delays. And yes, the air quality was great. I’m in Sydney now and have left any hint of winter behind, but it was blissful to spend so much time in such an unpopulated and scenic country.

      Reply
  5. Dana Carmel @ Time Travel Plans says

    August 29, 2013 at 5:06 pm

    A train trip through New Zealand seems like the ideal way to take in all of the beautiful scenery. I will keep this train in mind for my future travels there!
    Dana Carmel @ Time Travel Plans recently posted..In Tahiti: Fa’a’ā, Far AwayMy Profile

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      August 30, 2013 at 3:19 am

      It certainly is. I wish there had been more train options. The buses are fantastic too. They really make sure you see and learn as much as possible as you travel.

      Reply
  6. Helen says

    August 29, 2013 at 5:24 pm

    That looks so lovely! Love the viewing deck!

    If they’d have had that on the Tazara train I think I would have camped out there!

    x
    Helen recently posted..Photo of the Week: V&A Waterfront, Cape TownMy Profile

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      August 30, 2013 at 3:20 am

      Haha. Yeah, it was really cool to be able to get some fresh air and take photos without a window in the way. I’m not sure about sleeping out there. It was very windy! :)

      Reply
  7. Rebecca says

    August 30, 2013 at 5:32 am

    beautiful! NZ is such a lovely country – sometimes scenic train rides are the best way to travel!
    Rebecca recently posted..Travel and Design – New SeriesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      August 30, 2013 at 5:39 am

      You’re definitely right on both counts! :)

      Reply
  8. Mike says

    August 30, 2013 at 7:08 am

    Arianwen, my Golden Retriever, Phoenix, will perk his ears up and tilt his head to the side when he is baffled by something. I had the exact same look on my face when I opened up this post! I said to myself, wasn’t she just out looking for dolphins? And now it appears she’s standing in snow at the train station platform? That train ride looks amazing! I loved that pic you took of your train companion looking out the window with her reflection!!! :)
    Mike recently posted..My Blogging Journey Reminder, Don’t Stop Believin’My Profile

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      August 30, 2013 at 7:12 am

      Haha. I can just picture that look now! Yes, that’s the beauty of New Zealand. The landscape and weather both change so quickly you can see mountains, volcanoes, lakes and thermal geysers, and try both winter and summer activities all in the same day!

      Reply
  9. Sam says

    August 30, 2013 at 3:43 pm

    That’s really cool that the commentary is triggered by a GPS system; my partner would love that! The scenery indeed looks lovely. This train ride is definitely on my list.
    Sam recently posted..Food Porn Friday: Lima through Foursquare, Part 1My Profile

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      September 1, 2013 at 2:35 am

      Yeah, I was impressed by the commentary. There was so much information. I was very torn between staying to listen to it and running to the viewing deck for better views!

      Reply
  10. Marisol@TravelingSolemates says

    August 30, 2013 at 6:53 pm

    HI Arianwen, this post excite me!. I love scenic train rides. I’ll certainly love to do this trip when I visit NZ. I like your photo capturing the made scramble to shoot the view and the lovely lady with her reflection.
    Marisol@TravelingSolemates recently posted..Under the Sydney SkyMy Profile

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      September 1, 2013 at 2:37 am

      Thank you! I was shamelessly taking photos of everyone that day! I’ve never seen so many people rushing around with cameras on a train journey before!

      Reply
  11. Freya says

    August 30, 2013 at 9:17 pm

    Gorgeous view, would love to do that journey one day
    Freya recently posted..The Quintessential Guide to New DelhiMy Profile

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      September 1, 2013 at 2:37 am

      Yeah, it was lovely. I hope you get the opportunity :)

      Reply
  12. Graham says

    September 3, 2013 at 10:12 pm

    So glad that you enjoyed your time in NZ, even kiwis love this trip, great way of seeing the ever changing scenes.

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      September 4, 2013 at 1:22 am

      I’m sure they do. It definitely beats any of the train rides back home in the UK!

      Reply
  13. doug dobson says

    September 4, 2013 at 9:55 am

    A realy buitiful trip the first time my wife an i enjoyed it so much but what a disapoint ment when we returned last year with our son to find we could not aford the price for the three of us .

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      September 4, 2013 at 10:42 pm

      That is a shame. The price actually varies depending on the time of year. They had a winter discount when I was there, which made it a pretty good deal! I think it’s probably more beautiful in winter, with all the snow anyway!

      Reply
  14. TammyOnTheMove says

    September 5, 2013 at 5:46 am

    I love train rides. They are so relaxing! Quite the contrast to Asian buses. :-)
    TammyOnTheMove recently posted..Going native – A traditional Khmer photo shootMy Profile

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      September 5, 2013 at 6:04 am

      Haha. Yes, indeed! I’m yet to travel extensively through Asia. I actually quite enjoyed some of the South American buses though. They were so much more comfortable than I expected them to be!

      Reply
  15. Agness says

    September 8, 2013 at 6:09 am

    Your story and photos remind me a lot of my last journey to Lhasa by train. Similar view behind the window and the train looked exactly the same :). Nice to see Chinese taking some photos like crazy!! ;-) That makes me laugh :)
    Agness recently posted..Charging Batteries At HomeMy Profile

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      September 8, 2013 at 9:13 am

      Really?! I wouldn’t have thought Lhasa would be so similar. But I guess sometimes you can see a lot of similarities between two very different countries. And yes, the Chinese do seem to be much more into their photography than anyone else. Every single person in that group had very impressive camera equipment! I had camera envy for sure! :)

      Reply
  16. Ayngelina says

    September 11, 2013 at 8:14 am

    Looks like a beautiful train ride

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      September 11, 2013 at 12:25 pm

      It certainly is! :-)

      Reply
  17. Meg says

    November 1, 2013 at 2:06 pm

    How was the food? We are taking the train and the ferry and then another train – Auckland to Christchurch. Was wonder about the food on the train. Should I pack lunches for the three of us (hubby, daughter, me)?

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      November 2, 2013 at 2:17 am

      The queue in the food carriage was sometimes quite long – especially during the first hour, and if you wanted a hot drink. Later on in the journey, when things calmed down a bit, I bought a very yummy ice cream. They have a good selection of food, from all-day breakfasts to sandwiches and rolls, pies and savouries, hot meals and ‘sweet treats’. They also have alcohol if you’re that way inclined! I’ll send you an email with the photos I took of the menu!

      Reply

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