If you’ve ever dreamed of sitting back with a hot coffee (or wine) while your kids are occupied just staring out a window quietly mesmerised (ok, quietly might be a stretch, but still mesmerised) the TranzAlpine Train is your ticket.

We recently took the Great Journeys New Zealand TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth, and I can honestly say it’s one of those rare travel experiences that wowed the whole family.

The ever-changing views, the comfort of the train, and the freedom to just sit back and enjoy the experience without someone having to drive and navigate make this journey pure magic for families.

The Basics You’ll Want to Know

The TranzAlpine runs between Christchurch and Greymouth, crossing the Southern Alps in just under five hours one way. Along the way, you’ll pass through farmland, river gorges, native forest and (in the colder months) snow-capped mountains.

It’s often called one of the world’s greatest scenic train journeys, and once you see those alpine views roll by, you’ll understand why.

The Two Ticket Options: Scenic Class vs. Scenic Plus

There are two ticket options, depending on your budget and the kind of experience you’re after:

🎟 Scenic Class – The standard experience in the regular carriages. You’ll still get access to the open-air viewing carriage (which is amazing!) plus a café on board for food and drinks. It’s a great choice if you’d rather bring your own snacks for the kids.

🎟 Scenic Plus – A step up, with a dedicated carriage, panoramic windows, priority boarding, full dining service, and paired drinks (yes, wine and beer are included). You’ll also have access to a private open-air viewing area and your own dedicated host.

If your kids are younger, I’d definitely recommend booking a table so they’ve got space for snacks, colouring books, or games during the journey.

Our Experience On Board

The moment we stepped onto the train, the kids’ faces lit up. There’s something so exciting about watching the world go by from a window seat and the novelty of being on a train.

We packed a few of our go-to travel snacks (because you can never have too many when you’re travelling with little ones), a couple of books, and a few small toys — including play dough (a total lifesaver for our kids, we bring it everywhere!).

The café carriage had great options for quick bites and drinks, but If you wanted to do it on more of a budget, I would encourage you to bring a packed lunch.

The open air viewing cart was the highlight! Since we went in October, it wasn’t overly crowded, so we were able to leave our things at the table and head out to the open area to soak in the mountain air. It’s chilly, so definitely bring an extra layer, but it’s worth every goosebump!

Why It’s Great for Families

✅ No long drives – You get to see some of New Zealand’s most incredible scenery without becoming a real-life exorcist twisting your head back to wrangle the kids in the car.

✅ Freedom to move – Kids can stretch, explore, and watch the world roll by — no car seats in sight!

✅ Unique experience – It’s not every day your kids can say they rode a train through the Southern Alps.

✅ Relaxing pace – Parents actually get to sit back and enjoy the ride too (bonus).

Tips for Travelling the TranzAlpine with Kids

🚂 Book a table – It makes life so much easier for little ones to have space for snacks or games.

🍎 Bring your own snacks (and lunch) – There’s a café on board, but familiar favourites always help.

🧥 Dress in layers – The open-air viewing carriage is a must, but it gets cold.

🎨 Pack small entertainment – Stickers, mini puzzles, or an iPad for quiet time work wonders (make sure you download games and shows before boarding because Wi-Fi can be patchy).

📷 Keep your camera handy – You’ll want to capture this special experience.

Final Thoughts

The TranzAlpine is one of those rare travel experiences that feels effortless but leaves a lasting impression. For families, it’s a perfect mix of adventure, comfort and jaw-dropping scenery.

Whether you’re using it as a one-way journey across the South Island or just want a memorable day trip from Christchurch, it’s an absolute must-do in New Zealand.

❤ Britt
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📍 Related reading:

 Why We Chose to Travel to New Zealand Next (and How We’re Finding Our Campervan)

Wellington to Picton Ferry: How to Cross from the North to South Island in a Motorhome (With Kids)

Things We Wish We Knew Before Travelling to New Zealand

How We Plan Our Route in New Zealand: The Apps & Tricks We Use to Map Kid-Friendly Stops