Hello, I am about to book seats on the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth. Can anyone help me with info on which side of the train has the best views and if the carriage position matters ie. front or back for views. <BR>thank you

Hi<BR><BR>We took the Tranzalpine from Greymouth to Christchurch. It is a great trip!!! Since you're going in the opposite direction I would think if you had seats on the right-hand side of the car heading toward Greymouth you'd have great views. In addition, there were empty seats when we were there (last March) so we were able to move around a bit. I believe we went through 17 tunnels through the southern Alps. quite a trip. <BR><BR>I know you'll enjoy your visit on South Island.

Cosmo:<BR>LN is right. Sit on the North side of the train for the greatest view of gorges and scenery. What a great train ride.<BR>John

Related Question: We will be in NZ in early October and want to take this train ride. How far in advance do we need to book tickets. A few days? or a few weeks?

We bought tickets the day before. In November.<BR>John

Thanks for the replies everyone. To now help bojack out - If you go to the tranzscenic website, under links they give you a contact phone number. I rang and found that there are 4 prices for the same seats YHA, fare saver, saver and super saver all at different costs - first in first served. I wanted to book for in about 10 days time and knew which day and so I was able to get the supersaver tickets (must be so many allocated per day) at NZ47 each! - 1/2 price!!! <BR>I also put in a request for forward facing right sided seats that can be requested only and fingers crossed. Seat allocation happens on the day.<BR>Hope this helps

sorry Bojack - I booked them for in 10 weeks time not 10 days time.-

Hello there Cosmo,<BR><BR>My husband and I went on the Tranzalpine train in October 2001 and loved it. We were advised to sit on the northern side of the train and also to take a warm jacket, woolly hat and scarf and to spend the majority of the trip in the open carriage.<BR><BR>We followed this advice and when the announcement came on the train that the carriage is now open, we left our seats and were standing in the open air carriage for the rest of the trip to Arthurs Pass. This was one of the highlights of our holiday to New Zealand. To be 'in amongst it' with the wind in your face and no barrier to take photographs was fabulous. The tunnels were very interesting. <BR><BR>We would do it again tomorrow if we could. <BR>

what is the exact web for the Tranzalpine train please and how will the weather be in all of NZ, May???Is there a boomerang pass from Christchurch to Queensland, Auckland etc? Thanks

Thanks everyone for the replies. one more question. Where is the viewing carriage (at the back of the train?) and what time or how far into the trip from Christchurch do they open it?<BR>thanks Gayle<BR>and for Johanna<BR>www.tranzscenic.co.nz<BR>bookings@tranz scenic.co.nz

The carriage is towards the back of the train and it is open after about 15 minutes from leaving Christchurch. We spent the rest of the time in the carriage, we just didn't want to leave. (about 2 hours). When the views really start to become spectacular, the carriage will fill up so it is wise to hold your spot. There is a rail to hold on to.<BR><BR>Don't forget to rug up, a lot of people came into the carriage and their hair was blown around etc, and they immediately left. Make sure you wear warm clothes. It is well worth it. You strike up conversations with other tourists as you are jostled by the train and the wind. <BR><BR>As the train turns corners to go over the viaducts, you can take a fabulous photo of the curving train, the snow covered mountains and the viaduct. I wish I could post one of my photos for you.<BR><BR>Have a great time, lucky thing.<BR><BR>

I just had a belated thought. If you send me your email address I can scan and send some photos of the train, carriage and views for you.<BR><BR>My address is [email protected]<BR>Kind regards,<BR>Jenny

All the above advise is good, especially spending the trip in the open carriages (with warm clothes).<BR><BR>If you are doing it as a day trip from christchurch then rather than just the train journey both ways you can add off-road back-country and jetboating - see: <BR><BR>http://www.scenicpacific.co.nz//trip.cfm/trip-10000005<BR><BR>...all on the one day.