Today we took the Trans Alpine Express from Christchurch to Greymouth. It leaves at 8.15 am each day and takes a little under 5 hours. It was a dull, grey, rainy day and still the views were spectacular. On gorgeous sunny days I can only imagine that they will be even better.
The seats are comfortable and the carriages bright. The windows curve round the edge of the roof to let in extra light. There is a commentary that talks you through the history of the train line and there are two carriages that have open sides to allow better photographs.
A kia came and sat on the engine while we stopped at Adams Peak.
Greymouth is about a two hour drive from Franz Joseph glacier and there are coaches that meet the train. We hired a car.
The London Lark! 