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What are the dates and pricing for the Classic Alpine Highlights Train Tour?


In Great Journeys

Christchurch to Queenstown except where indicated*

MonthYearDay
September202513, 20
October202511
November20251, 22
December202513
January20263, 4*
February202621
March202614, 21
April20264, 19*
Subject to availability
* Queenstown to Christchurch

Costs per person: September 2025-April 2026

  • Twin share: NZ$4,999
  • Single room: NZ$6,498
  • Optional tours and activities are available. Contact us for details and pricing.

Frequently asked questions

  • Inclusive drinks and dining service throughout the journey
  • Exclusive kitchen carriage preparing hot and cold meals
  • Paddock-to-plate regionally inspired food menu
  • Paired drinks menu
  • Specialist table service and storytelling
  • Specialist barista coffee service
  • Exclusive Scenic Plus carriage
  • Panoramic windows, spacious carriage, and comfortable table or paired seating
  • Open-air viewing carriage
  • Priority check-in and boarding
  • Luggage check-in and drop-off
  • Personal service
  • Scenic Class Passengers:
    • 1 Large checked bag (Max: 23kg, 158cm linear size)
    • 1 Cabin bag (Max: 7kg, 118cm linear size; wheeled/hard-sided suitcases must be checked in)
    • 1 Small bag or handbag for valuables and essentials
    • 1 Small infant bag (for passengers traveling with an infant; infants do not receive a separate luggage allowance)
  • Scenic Plus Passengers:
    • 2 Large checked bags (Max: 23kg each, 158cm linear size)
    • 1 Cabin bag (Max: 7kg, 118cm linear size; wheeled/hard-sided suitcases must be checked in)
    • 1 Small bag or handbag for valuables and essentials
    • 1 Small infant bag (for passengers traveling with an infant; infants do not receive a separate luggage allowance)

Only professionally trained service animals assisting customers with disabilities are permitted onboard.

No, all our journeys, including the open-air viewing carriage, are smoke-free. Our friendly train manager will let you know if there are stops where you can stretch your legs.

We offer a selection of delicious and nutritious meals and snacks—view the full menu here. You’re welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks, but we invite you to enjoy our licensed café available on all journeys.

To ensure a stress-free journey, we recommend allowing for an overnight stop before connecting to flights or other transport. Great Journeys New Zealand is not responsible for missed connections due to train delays.

AUCKLAND to Wellington                                    
Departure PointDeparture Time       Departure PointDeparture Time
     Auckland07:45 amWellington07:55 am
     Papakura08:35 amParaparaumu08:45 am
     Hamilton10:05 amPalmerston North       10:00 am
     Otorohanga10:45 amOhakune12:45 pm
     Taumarunui12:20 pmNational Park01:15 pm
     National Park01:10 pmTaumarunui02:10 pm
     Ohakune01:40 pmOtorohanga03:45 pm
     Palmerston North         04:20 pmHamilton04:25 pm
     Paraparaumu05:30 pmPapakura05:55 pm
  • Auckland to Wellington: Departs southbound on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.
  • Wellington to Auckland: Departs northbound on Friday, Sunday, and Wednesday.

Timings are subject to change without prior notice. Please confirm schedule at the time of booking.

CONNECTIONS: if you are planning onward travel (e.g. flights), then please be aware that this service occasionally experiences delays of 30 minutes or more.

Cost Per PersonAPR 2025
SCENIC CLASSAdultChild
Christchurch to Picton or vvNZ$219NZ$153
Christchurch/Picton to Kaikoura or vvNZ$124NZ$88
Return (Christchurch to Kaikoura)NZ$199NZ$139
Return (Christchurch-Picton)NZ$314NZ$220
SCENIC PLUS UPGRADE
One way (Christchurch-Picton or vv)NZ$535
Return Fare (Christchurch-Picton or vv)NZ$957
  • Child age: 2 to 14 years
  • Children under 2 years travel free if sharing a seat with an adult (i.e. sitting on a parents or guardians lap). If a seat is required for an infant, then a separate seat at the child rate must be purchased.
  • For all other stops, please contact us for a quote. Pricing is correct at the time of booking and may change without prior notice. 
Departure PointTimeDeparture PointTime
Picton01:40 pmChristchurch7:00 am
Blenheim02:05 pmRangiora*7:30 am
Kaikōura4:25 pmKaikōura10:00 am
Rangiora*6:45 pmBlenheim12:10 pm
  • September to December: Thursday - Sunday
  • 1 January - 27 April: Daily departures

*You need to book in advance if you wish to board at Rangiora Railway Station, otherwise the train might not stop here. 

CONNECTIONS: if you are planning onward travel (e.g. flights), then please be aware that this service occasionally experiences delays of 30 minutes or more.

Departure PointTimeDeparture PointTime
Christchurch8:15amGreymouth2:15pm
Rolleston8:35amMoana3:10pm
Darfield8:55amArthurs Pass4:35pm
Springfield9:20amSpringfield5:55pm
Arthur's Pass10:50amDarfield6:15pm
Moana12:15pmRolleston6:35pm

The TranzAlpine train travels daily until the May 10th, 2025, when it will reduce to four-day a week service (Monday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday). The TranzAlpine will return to 7 day service from July 11 2025.
Timings are subject to change without prior notice. Please confirm schedule at the time of booking.

CONNECTIONS: if you are planning onward travel (e.g. flights), then please be aware that this service occasionally experiences delays of 30 minutes or more.

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