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 TranzAlpine. South Island. New Zealand.
S 43° 32.400 E 172° 36.460
59G E 629885 N 5177960
The TranzAlpine – travelling between Christchurch and Greymouth through the magnificent Southern Alps, is rated one of the world’s great scenic railway journeys.
Waymark Code: WM4HVB
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 08/27/2008
Views: 93
The TranzAlpine travels from one coast of New Zealand to the other, through the Southern Alps. The train leaves Christchurch on the East Coast and begins its journey passing through the Canterbury Plains and farmland, winding through spectacular gorges of the Waimakariri River, climbing into the mountains and through the tunnel at Arthurs Pass descending through the Alps to emerge at Otira. The tunnel from Arthur's Pass to Otira travels a length of a little over 8.5 kilometres (5.3 mi). The gradient is mainly 1 in 33, and the Otira end of the tunnel is over 250 m (820 ft) lower than the Arthur's Pass end. On the return journey another engine joins the train at Otira to help push it up through the tunnel. Ater a quick stop at Otira the train continues to descend through West Coast beech forest to Greymouth on the West Coast.
The trip is 223.8 kilometres long and takes just four and a half hours. There are 16 tunnels, and 5 viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing at 73 metres. The train stops at all stations on the way with a longer rest stop at Arthurs Pass to enable you to get out on the platform and photograph the stunning mountain scenery.
The TranzAlpine passenger train has a Buffet Carriage that serves hot/cold drinks, beers, wines, snacks and light meals on route. We enjoyed a NZ specialty for lunch.... Whitebait fritters!
The return journey departing Christchurch, with a 2 hour stopover in Greymouth, is a very popular day trip to view the magnificent scenery of the South Island or you can over-night at Greymouth and return another day after sightseeing at the Glaciers on the West Coast.
We can personally recommend this trip. We travelled in late summer but the scenery is even more amazing in winter with snow in the mountains. Check the website for fares, Specials are often available. Winter Special Adult $114 return.
Technical Details:
Line length 212 km (132 mi)
Track gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) Cape gauge
Electrification 1500V DC (Arthurs Pass to Otira, 1923-1997)
Maximum incline 3% (1 in 33) in Otira Tunnel
Engine Type: Diesel
Gauge of Railway: Narrow
Type: Spur (out and back)
Length of Route: 223 kms one way
Dates of Operation: From: 01/01/2008 To: 12/31/2008
Frequency of departures: Daily
Key Attractions:
Stunning scenery, gorges, wide glacier fed rivers, Southern Alps, Arthurs Pass township, Otira Tunnel, Alpine views, beech forest.
Does this Scenic Railroad Provide: Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Trains?: yes
Railroad Website: [Web Link]
Approximate Adult Fare: Not Listed
Approximate Child Fare: Not Listed
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Visit Instructions:Provide a picture of something with the train. Possible photos include the entertainment on board the train, the train itself at any location along the route, a picture of the scenery with part of the train in view, the kids borrowing the engineer’s hat. Show us you had a good time visiting the train. If the train isn't running when you visit get a photo of one of the many railway related items that can be found in locations like this.
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