New Zealand by Rail - part 1: TranzAlpine Scenic Train Greymouth - Christchurch

[@ProfezorSnayp]

I think the clouds and rain make the scenery even more magical and otherworldly.

[@rmk7641]

I was thinking the same thing. When we travelled it was a clear day with blue skies. This was just as enjoyable. Just a different experience.

[@myblackstv3198]

#myblackstv

[@egoiisticprince7977]

Yeah clouds make everything so so so beautiful increase the beauty 100x

[@NoTaboos]

Looks as bleak as the Engineer planet.

[@railwaymechanicalengineer4587]

A BRITISH RAILWAYS MECHANICAL ENGINEERS VISIT TO NZ - 1986. As a Guest of the then NZGR in 1986, I was able to make a trip over the Lyttelton Harbour to Greymouth route in the cabs of various locos hauling freight trains. The only "passenger" train at the time was one operated for miners daily. But what stunned me was the incredible views and rampant "weathering" processes clearly visible at numerous locations, of which I have many photos. So on my return to Wellington, I had a talk with the then Managing Director, and strongly urged him to consider running a "tourist train" over this route using coaching stock which should include roof windows to increase interior lighting & viewing !!! So it's nice to see some film of the train I suggested in 1986. Which appears to to be just what I envisaged, and seems to be operating successfully for the benefit of not just tourists, but the current rail operator.

[@vijgai3]

I would take this train just for the scenery. Forget everything else.

[@chriswilkes236]

Probably a good idea.

[@suzannekirkwood6392]

If you ever get the chance do the Wellington to Auckland train. The scenery is amazing, you go through the Raurimu spiral - a 190 metre decline/incline depending on which direction you are heading - you can look across and see the tracks you've already traveled over.

[@debramage739]

Greymouth is wonderful, born there.I remember the old red rattler. Just lovely for me. My aunty lived on that line, and run out and wave, fab.

[@chriscoughlan5221]

i was lucky with the weather, i was there jan/feb 2002, got the trains all the way from Aukland to Invercargill. then cycled all the way back. it toook me 6 weeks. When i finally returned to Aukland i hitchhiked all the way to cape reinga, from there i stayed in Henderson Bay for several days, heaven!

[@robertphillips3992]

Thank you for this video, it is very well done. There are no talking heads, just scenery and the train, thank you again.

[@jimcrawford5039]

Forgot to say, Kiwi brothers, I had a fantastic time on this train and the other lines too. Wish I could come back and do it all again and enjoy the hospitality I had whilst there. Getting too old now! All the best from NSW.

[@samlau1960]

I took this train 9 years ago . Enjoyed the trip very much. The speed of the train was just nice to capture beautiful sceneries.

[@rudolffabrie3233]

The rain and clouds make the experierence more impressive

[@rajeshjoshi4922]

Comentry in Hindi

[@KenBlackRifleAmerica]

New Zealand has always been one of my favorite countries for absolutely stunning scenery! Just gorgeous!

[@beeoneder6799]

Took this trip in July 2021 . Absolutely amazing sceneries and kiwirail staff just awesome 👍👍👍

[@Charles-ey9qk]

Beautiful train! Like the signal box at Greymouth. It would make a good kit for a model railway layout.

[@matt1541]

Thanks for this great video! Enjoyed it!

[@raldrmt]

The commentary is inversely proportional to the scenery that i stopped reading and just watched how beautiful nz is 😍😍

[@prp3231]

Blimey! In the north of England we're still running old bus carriages on rail chassis.

[@godgamerconnorfrost6869]

I went the opposite way I love it!! It’s the most scenic train ride I have ever been on!! We went on a rainy day and it made the ride like an adventure

[@tessie72]

Just started watching this then decided to read the comments. I did this journey just last week and it was amazing. Your comments are completely negative. All you could do is whinge about the weather, whinge about the train and pretty much whinge about everything. Why bother even doing the video.

[@oldcrazygranny]

this ticketing is what makes our railways charming to visitors

[@Keefa24]

What a wonderful trip through such breathtaking scenery. I think the weather added a little atmosphere to the journey. Thanks for posting. Cheers!

[@dude2850]

We did this trip in 1990 with my wife I’m so glad we did at that time,Watching this brought back great memories I wish we could do it again.

[@geraldmiller5260]

Some very lush pasture for some very nice cattle.

[@barrygower6733]

There’s nothing more atmospheric, apart from steam locos, than the roar of diesels powering up an incline, and you were especially lucky to have the bonus of a banker.

[@bigtone718]

my goodness that was a very scenic trip,i have a few destinations on my bucket list and New Zealand is a new addition.

[@waltpartymiller6802]

That was fantastic. Thank you so much for sharing your adventure with video. My daughter lived in Dunedin & I kept asking for photos; finally I get to see what crossing the South Island is like. Rugged, unspoiled landscape is what we saw, the weather was cool & damp, but that's okay. Flavor still comes across. Good work.

[@suzannekirkwood6392]

I haven't been on this train but when I was younger I did the silver fern - Wellington to Auckland - a must do for rail enthusiasts, beautiful scenery and the raurimu spiral. The Bay explorer - Wellington to Napier through the Manawatu gorge and the coastal train from Picton to Christxhurch( 1996, cost $12 each for a backpacker seat). Nowadays it's cheaper to fly but I would love to experience this trip.

[@joshuapage2124]

I am a NZ’er taking this train in December. Thanks for the insight, looking forward!

[@trainsmachineryldegmtrains3509]

Amazing movie! Great train ride and awesome places! Good work! Thumbs Up 👍👍😉 All the best from Romania Andrew

[@jungleman4921]

The Locos as old as they are are still very eco freindly thankyou.What else do we have ? Lucky they still run and are maintained.

[@rmk7641]

Thanks very much for a very nice video. Brought back wonderful memories of my wife and I traveling on the TranzAlpine in 2007. Day trip from Christchurch to Greymouth and back. Beautiful day, riding through some beautiful scenery on a Narrow Gauge train full of friendly and cheerful people. Nary a thought of a sleeper coach :). The hour and half or so at Greymouth was a bit underwhelming but, a good break for a brisk walk. Felt like a kid. Never mind the diesel, I would have enjoyed it even more if it was hauled by three powerful steam locomotives. Your naming the rivers was very helpful. Thanks again.

[@supergee7]

With optimistic reasons, I love all the train rides and this line looks so fantastic even mostly was in the rain. NZ is like no other for the tranquility. Thank you for your review!

[@jpscott126]

I live in NZ and have never been on this rail trip myself - will be an interesting watch

[@pritpalsingh5844]

Hi, thanks for taking us to New Zealand with TranzAlpine train. It's rightly said NZL is most exciting place to visit, particularly Southern Island. Most of traveller's it's just heaven in southern winters in NZL.

[@philipbrailey]

I’ll do this trip one day. By car it was beautiful, but train you can relax.

[@mzxeternal]

Gorgeous scenery on what looks like a wonderful trip... Shame the poster spends most of it complaining. Why would anyone electrify a tourist line with once a day service? Paper tickets, no sleepers? My goodness, the deplorable conditions. 20 minutes late, my goodness. Diesel locos! What are there like maybe 8 in the entire country? Lol

[@seznz]

Last time I took this train from Chch to Greymouth we got stuck in Arthur's Pass for 5 hours.. lucky this guy wasn't on that trip.. he would have really had something to complain about haha

[@singaporepropertyupdate5405]

i miss New Zealand so much. was there in 2000. so much have changed the past 20 years. hope to step afoot again to New Zealand. Kia ORA !!!

[@LyfovRyan51]

I hope to repeat this trip in the near future. Stunning scenery

[@ceceliabest7870]

I like the idea of being on the train and it's raining. New Zealand is a beautiful place.

[@watchhans]

First time I did this journey was in 1996. It is still a great trip no visitor should miss. Concerning the weather: what's also unique to NZ is four seasons every day! Thank you for taking us along on this trip!

[@DaringMood]

Such a whinger... paper tickets, delays, the rain,old engines..(almost want to stop viewing). aww.. For me me the paper tickets, the rain, the old engines, the delays added to what is a truly amazing great railway journey of the world. I took this train back in Nov. 2015

[@yasukiwi]

They're not even paper tickets in the old fashioned sense. They're online purchased, print at home tickets.

[@waikintang8246]

This U-tuber is not welcome to NZ.

[@doc7austin]

nope! you need to exchange any home-printed printout to a real ticket at the station before boarding

[@yasukiwi]

@@waikintang8246 Sorry, but as a NZer I think that is a poor thing to say. I don't agree with all the opinions and also some statements which were factually incorrect in the video, but if NZ is a free country, then visitors, as well as the locals, should have the right to criticise if they feel unhappy about something here. You have the right to disagree with that view but don't chuck in a trashy, lazy, comment like "so and so is not welcome here" because that shows how thin-skinned and ignorant you are.

[@nzlandre1]

Back home and stay hape with your life

[@hans2406]

What a beautiful country!

[@grahameferguson7013]

Diesel locos are more eco friendly than cars trucks or buses. There was electrification over. Arthur's Pass. EO class electrics used to haul trains from Arthur's Pass to Otira.

[@jesh1075]

30 years ago i went New Zealand two times the people and places are beautiful,👍👍😝

[@dineshm2536]

I took the kiwirail few years ago from Auckland to Wellington (12 hour journey). It’s one of my most fondest memories. Hopefully i will visit NZ again soon.

[@jomott8133]

I did this trip in March, it's was cold ,windy and raining but it was amazing. I did Christchurch to Greymouth and the got a bus to Hokitika... before flying back to Palmerston North. The whole trip was wonderful. I've also done Greymouth to Christchurch by car, also amazing. N.Z is definitely my favourite place in the world, and as soon as Covid restrictions are lifted I'm headed back there.

[@bennycake79]

Great video in many ways of a beautiful journey,but the comments...why would you prefer a sleeping car on a train journey famous for it's scenery that only lasts 5 hours? Anyway, it does make me want to visit New Zealand again.

[@genevielucious4945]

Wow I get to see my own country by train watching your video. Thankful

[@vkbobby3120]

My favourite country .. Love from india 🇮🇳❤️😎

[@BaljinderSingh-pn1mm]

No word to say what are beautiful sights in journey

[@SMILEVIDEOTRAINS]

what a wonderfull planet we live on apart from volcano's and earthquakes etc.. it is continually changing as it has for thousands of years. your journey today was really beautifull and very well presented. Thank you very much

[@chriscoughlan5221]

i took this train in 2002, amazing experience, i remember the landscapes, and the freindly bar staff.

[@kspradeep8397]

Scenic beauty priceless

[@tanpengjoo7205]

New Zealand beautiful n clean n green no ugly concrete buildings everywhere

[@dude2850]

We did this trip in 1996 but not on this modern train.The engine broke down about 10 klms from Christchurch and managed to go at 5 klms an hour until we came to the first station just before the big climb over the mountains,hence we were late for the whole trip.But the scenery was great would do it again for sure.

[@claudiuspereira3194]

What a fantastic product New Zealand is. Keep the old stuff -its best .

[@chanchoyling4919]

Brought back memories of my wonderful experience traveling on this NZAlpine rail

[@sandritametelka5973]

Thank you for showing this beautiful world! ❤️

[@jimcrawford5039]

It IS a tourist railway, it does not need automated ticketing. NSW.

[@ethant4531]

It isn't really, they take normal kiwi passengers curious of the west coast. Don't assume lol

[@arlyntuazon3255]

Thank you so much Ross for sending me this video. I really love watching this and looking forward to be there soo.

[@61sunset]

Wow the scenery is stunning, wish I could go and see it in person. Thanks for the video .

[@nareshkumarguntupalli282]

Super bro, no words to express by watching your video feeling that I am traveling in that train.

[@samgemsgems7571]

Paradise on earth.beautyfull country,beautyfull people,beautyfull governance.god bless new Zealand

[@shiijenny4593]

New Zealand rail train be blessed me as I just visited the Beaches on line. The train seemed comfortable and good in travelling speed. Weather seems good always in New Zealand.

[@LuckyLucy451]

There is a simplicity and honesty here that is truly refreshing. Scenery the same - unspoiled, pure and clean!

[@AnjumJamil]

what a scenic journey. wonderful

[@627hjc]

Unlucky with the weather? It’s called the wet coast for a reason :-p, the place gets up to 10m of rain in a year in some places.

[@jezzter4293]

It looks a bit smarter than in 2004 when I took the trip :-) Most amazing train journey through the most awesome scenery. Thanks for the video & the memories

[@CreatorPolar]

Probably because in that time, kiwi rail has changed from a national rail operator for everyone to an overpriced tourist train. Not saying that it’s necessary bad but they should strike a balance between practical for locals and tourist appeal

[@SunilKumar-ku1fq]

Small but beautiful

[@asmitalandge3967]

It's a very pleasures to see the geographical area of the Newzeland to some extent. Very nice country to visit if possible. - from India.

[@chriscoughlan5221]

i was kind of unlucky with my 1st new zealand train trip experience. I was the overnight train from Auckland to Wellington, when the train broke down 1/2 way through the journey. To compensate the passengers. We were given a free long distance phone call. So i called my mum. It was probably the last long phonecall we had, could she took ill not long after the call. And died.

[@Rational375]

Thanks for a spectacular train ride. NZ is more beautiful than I had thought.

[@nancyhobson9710]

It IS. If you can, go experience it for yourself. I went in 1970 and we went all over with a local

[@llebkered]

The Otira tunnel was electrified with a 1500V DC overhead when it was built. They used electric locomotives to pull trains trough the tunnel due to its steep gradient and lack of ventilation. Improvements to the diesel locomotives meant there was no longer any need for the electric locomotives. They were taken away and the electric lines were decommissioned in the late 90's.

[@Francois39]

There's a third intercity rail network from Hamilton to Auckland called Te Huia

[@pj8143]

Why complain on your video. You should enjoy the beautiful scenery it’s breathtaking. Love New Zealand especially the South Island. Did a cruise from Australia to New Zealand return late last year. I would like to go by train from North to South or vice versa of the South Island. (put in my bucket list)

[@gogomong]

beautiful scenery

[@planestrainsautomobiles]

Appreciate the insight into a train journey I was considering as part of my first visit to New Zealand next year.

[@DavidJr.11]

I've enjoyed the Journey so much. New subscriber here from the Philippines 👍 can't wait to be there in Christchurch hopefully this coming February next year. God Willing 🙏

[@larryloveless2967]

I get the part about the weather taking away the scenery. I remember arriving in Lucerne Switzerland when it was cloudy and raining in the afternoon and did not see any mountains nearby. After eating supper the clouds cleared and the sun came out. We were surrounded by breathtaking mountains, Lake Lucerne had bright blue water and there were plenty of white swans in the water. I was amazed at the change. I do agree though with some of the comments about the cloudy rainy weather sometimes being an advantage. I have been on trains around Puget Sound Washington USA inland island coastal water and the cloudy weather made for an eerie effect I enjoyed. From St. Louis

[@robertfantasticsinginggreatson]

What a beautiful place lovely scenery great video

[@TheDarkFalcon]

Nicely put together video, but the comments seem pretty uppity in a lot of places 🙄

[@TheDarkFalcon]

"no one has thought of electrifying the line" etc etc

[@candocan1668]

Exactly... the day coaches are beautiful but he he is not a fan and instead, prefers a sleeper. etc etc

[@TheDarkFalcon]

@@candocan1668 why have the large glass cabins where you can see out in all directions, when instead you could have a small cabin with poor views but where you can sleep on the short scenic ride... 😵🤯

[@yasukiwi]

@@candocan1668 Yeah I was surprised about his comment. I have to say I don't like the 4 seat areas but the 2 seat facing forward seats are fine. I've taken many trains in Europe, and also a lot of the expresses in Japan, and the carriages in NZ measure up. The food is precooked but the Wishbone brand meals are better than a lot of precooked meals on some European railways, and especially airlines (economy cabin). I do love sleeper trains as well though, and I always plan and buy tickets for 3 or 4 night trains when doing a trip to Europe. It is something I sorely miss having in NZ.

[@johnboi1766]

yeah good vid but what a droll commentator.

[@georgeholmes1490]

This drive is amazing too in the winter especially.

[@roosthrower]

Wow, great video, made me feel like I was on the train. Bought back memories of when me and my wife drove round there. Thankyou, enjoyed watching

[@janettan2598]

Thanks for sharing. It is beautiful.

[@craigross8777]

Nice video of a great rail trip, please note that some of your location comments are incorrect during this video.

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Fantastic! I was literally just researching this trip trip last week!!

[@tessie72]

I did this last weekend and throughly recommend it. Dont go on this guys negitave video comments.

[@SteamboatWilley]

The line between Otira and Arthur's pass was originally electrified (so as to avoid running steam trains through the long Otira tunnel), but this was done away with in 1997.

[@kanchanananayakkara8959]

Wonderful landscapes! It is really a good news that KiwiRail thinks of tourists and operates these trains!

[@creepovec.9099]

Fantastic trip with various scenic views, and the beauty of New Zealand, I have to say, I'm excited for the continuation of the videos, cheers dude!

[@nancyhobson9710]

Nice passenger carriages and beautiful scenery

[@mustafaameraljasim]

Lovely scenery.Thanks to let us see something that might be impossible to experience for some people.

[@ianwyj1]

I did this train ride almost two decades ago. The scenery's still stunning, but I notice the seats no longer have sheepskin covers.

[@wesleyaraujo5869]

Hey, Mr Austin, how are you doing? OMG! One more superb video! Your work is absolutely fantastic! What an impressive journey, a splendorous scenery in New Zealand, it is gorgeous! I really aprecciate it, and I am anxiously waiting for second video! Regards from Sao Paulo, Brazil. Cheers!

[@nancyhobson9710]

I havhave taken this journey and the scenery is just splendid. In fact, I have been all over NZ and the scenery is just as beautiful everywhere.

[@nancyhobson9710]

New Zealand is absolutely beautiful! We went all over and enjoyed it immensely. Close to a miracle this track was engineered and built before WW1.

[@aprilviolet195]

NZ is a beautiful country, it is small, you can travel the length and breadth of it in a day, there is no need for a night or sleeper train.

[@ahfooktits]

new zealand is just breathtaking !!!!!

[@ABc-ck9xv]

Absolutely true.

[@ABc-ck9xv]

Thank you for necessary details provided in addition to travel. Beautiful heavenly mountains scenery captured through video expertise. Wish to see detailed Grey mouth residential area too.

[@johannbrummer6764]

This must be your best video yet! Well done! They don't call NZ the land of the long white cloud for no reason.

[@robthatsme9831]

I will try to “not forget to wear a head - even during the Southern Summer” lol.

[@chriswilkes236]

A stranger to the English language.

[@voxer99]

Personally, I keep my head on at all times.

[@chriswilkes236]

@@voxer99 me too.

[@MrAl28111]

Lots of tourists are caught out by the unexpected cold during a Kiwi summer, especially when they go out into the Southern Alps. I understood what he meant by 'head' but English is obviously not his first language so I don't see the point of making fun of it. Just saying...

[@deepakzaveri5152]

Train mein se najara bahut Achcha hai Hamare life mein pahli bar Aisa najara dekha hai bahut badhiya hai Newzealand ka najara thank you very much Jab Bhi Kitni bhi video Aaegi Ham Dekhte Rahenge yah train ki video bahut acchi hai Humne part 4 bhi dekh li hai New Zealand city bahut Achcha hai aur Hamare relation Wale Bhi bahut Ghar per hai vahan uski bhi Yad Aati Hai thank you very much

[@capricornmist]

This is one place on our bucket list but sadly my wife died from leukaemia at the end of March 2020 ,we all have dreams as to what we’ll do in our retiring years but life can be so cruel sometimes, but who knows if I can convince my younger brother to join me maybe that trip will become a reality 😎

[@tiktakvlog2721]

What a long journey.....watching this vid seems like riding also...thank you for sharing keep safe and god bless.

[@CHADTHUNDEROCK]

16:12 I think you mean 'hat'. I'm always wearing my head lol.