Hit the snow

The TranzAlpine train travels between Christchurch and Greymouth, a noteworthy journey that has justifiably earned a place in the hearts of train lovers worldwide.

The great valleys of the Waimakariri

River spread before train travellers in a panorama that beats anything a car-bound sightseer will experience. A day-trip option means visitors from Christchurch can spend 5 hours in the tiny mountain hamlet of Arthur's Pass before heading back to Christchurch in time for tea. This is enough time to take in several of the Arthur's Pass National Park tracks and say a prayer or two in the Church of the Snows. The train climbs through dauntingly steep gorges and alongside the many braids of this significant river and into the beech forest of the pass. All carriages have panoramic side and roof windows, are centrally heated or cooled for creature comfort and are well served with toilets, tables and recliner-style chairs. A café carriage offers a full range of drinks, snacks and light meals while a carriage with open sides allows travellers to be ‘outdoors' while taking it all in. Departs Christchurch Railway Station at 8.15am, arrives Arthur's Pass 10.52am and arrives back in Christchurch at 6.15pm. Fares between $298 and $314 per person. railnewzealand.com