Premium class on the TranzAlpine | Scenic Plus with restaurant quality food & drink
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 มิ.ย. 2024
- Come for a ride on New Zealand's most popular scenic train across the Southern Alps in winter but in a premium class of travel with restaurant quality food and drinks served at your seat. This is Scenic Plus - the newest offering on New Zealand's long distance passenger trains.
Find out whether it's worth paying the extra for this higher class of travel on the Christchurch to Greymouth train.
Enjoy the stunning Southern Alps as well as a spectacular river gorge while enjoying breakfast and a light lunch on the way to the West Coast; with a light afternoon meal and dinner on the return journey to Christchurch. This is one of the world's great train journeys, covering 223 kilometres (139 miles) one-way and taking just under 5 hours. In Scenic Plus, we'll also have access to our own dedicated open-air viewing car, providing unparalleled views from both sides of the train.
The TranzAlpine train travels coast-to-coast through the 'Great Divide' and the indomitable spine of mountains that partitions New Zealand's South Island.
Great Journeys of New Zealand TranzAlpine bookings and timetable:
www.greatjourneysnz.com/sceni...
TranzAlpine Scenic Plus menu:
www.greatjourneysnz.com/asset...
🚉 Train: The TranzAlpine
🚉 Operator: Great Journeys of New Zealand (parent company: KiwiRail)
🚉 Locomotive: New Zealand DF and DX class (DXC 5379, DFB 7241, DXC 5454, DXC 5304)
🚉 Seat: Car P, Seat 9A (table) and Seat 4D (window)
🚉 Route: Christchurch - Arthur's Pass - Greymouth (Midland Line) and return
🚉 Distance: 230km
🚉 Travel time: 4 hours 50 minutes (scheduled)
🚉 Class: Scenic Plus (Premium) class
🚉 Travel date: 29 July 2023 and 30 July 2023
EQUIPMENT:
🚉 Cameras: GoPro Hero 10, GoPro Hero 8, iPhone 12 Pro Max
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
01:11 - Check in and train consist
02:37 - Boarding and seat tour
05:55 - Pastries and coffee
07:27 - Breakfast
07:42 - Patterson’s Creek Viaduct
08:34 - Staircase Viaduct
09:27 - Broken River Viaduct
10:57 - Mount Binser and Lake Sarah
13:29 - Open air viewing car
15:20 - Arriving Arthur's Pass
17:30 - Otira Tunnel
20:43 - Scenic Plus comparison
22:07 - Lake Brunner and Moana
24:54 - Arriving Greymouth
26:09 - West Coast highlights
26:57 - TranzAlpine to Christchurch
28:03 - Light afternoon meal
29:00 - Fare comparison
29:53 - Fare
30:27 - Dinner menu
31:36 - Otira
32:48 - Arthur’s Pass and drinks service
34:02 - Dinner service
35:29 - Patterson’s Creek Viaduct
36:50 - Arrival and final thoughts
Music
I use Artlist for high quality, licensed audio. If you sign up using my referral link below, you will get two extra months for free.
artlist.io/Adam-3542584
Credits and sources:
Pronunciations:
Te Aka Māori-English Dictionary:
maoridictionary.co.nz/
Additional video footage:
The Great Journeys of New Zealand
Photo attribution:
Otira Tunnel electrification
Godber, Albert Percy, 1875-1949, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Sources:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TranzAl...
www.greatjourneysnz.com/route...
www.seat61.com/tranzalpine-tr...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midland...
www.engineeringnz.org/program...
www.engineeringnz.org/program...
Follow me on social media:
/ _fromthewindowseat
/ adamgjoyce
/ adamjoycetravels
#tripreport #slowtravel #trainreview
Unbelievable that this channel has only 30k subscribers. Adam you are doing sensational work!.
Thanks so much Fabio!
Hi adam thanks again for another outstanding descriptive video. I am looking forward to your Japanese train video and for people like myself you have no vision, you really do an outstanding job at describing everything in your videos and telling us what is going on. This makes your videos very very informative and enlightening for those of us you have no vision.
Hi Scott. I really appreciate hearing that - thanks for letting me know!
I love the idea of the open car!!! OML... a hot towel!! The food looks delish. Your vids are sooooo well done! Very professional.
NZ is so beautiful. Watching from Australia, Ipswich Qld.
Yes, the open air car is the best! And it obviously helps that NZ is beautiful. 😍
Thank you!
What a lovely trip. My mum always talks about visiting her aunty in the Otira Tea rooms.
It certainly is. Yes, it’s a pity they’re not open anymore.
Adam, great video with comprehensive coverage of the features of the trip. Looking forward to your next video.
Thanks so much! ☺️
What a beautiful day you had for the trip.
Yes. It was perfect!
It's been a while since I've had the luxury of spending time on TH-cam but this offering of yours has really lifted the spirits on this dreary wet Sunday Morning in Melbourne at the start of normal Eastern Standard Time.
I've done this journey several times in both directions but well before the current carriages came into service (well, the open air car was on my last journey in 2007). Your presentation was excellent and, yes, the east bound journey is quieter and somewhat more delightful if you pick the right time of the year to do it (early September in my case with close to 12 hours daylight).
I'm blown away by the standard of the carriages. Much more attractive than past offerings, although the upgrade that was done to the older carriages during the TransScenic period made for a comfortable journey. As a former rail employee here in Victoria, I enjoyed free travel on my first experience back 40 years ago and a significant discount on the 2007 trip. Might need to win the Lotto to justify the Premium Class experience you show though. By all accounts the price appears worthwhile given the quality of the on-board experience. The scenery is priceless however (some of the world's best) and I thank you for the way you have presented it in this TH-cam offering. Certainly has brought back significant memories and warmed up my Sunday morning. Now I must away and view some of my other favourite presenters' clips..... Thanks again and more happy travelling for you Adam.🙂
Thank you for sharing Michael - great to hear about your experiences as well as your thoughts on the video and service. It certainly is a breathtaking journey! ☺️
Hi Adam I'm from New Zealand and I truly appreciate how you've presented New Zealand tr
ain rides. And because of that I've followed your train rides in Australia. I have 2 children living in Adelaide and Victoria and that's why I follow your channel thank you again.
That’s brilliant to hear Charlotte. Thank you!
Another Superb Video.
Thanks.
Great to hear. Thank you!
Adam you excel at making travel videos,loved this and hope to make this journey very soon..Aussie to the fore 😂😂😂
@@louiserawle8999 Thanks so much Louise! You’ll love it. ☺️
Awesome video once again...thanks Adam! Can't wait to see the next episode in Japan.
Thanks so much April!☺️
It's a stunning trip across the Southern Alps. Did it by car about 12 years ago, and there is some amazing things to see.
Looking forward to more Japan rail videos. I was tossing up treating myself to a holiday somewhere this year, and once I watched your top 30 video, I immediately began planning my Japan trip, and now excited to head over in October!
It really is!
Wow - that’s great to hear. Hope you love Japan (and its trains) as much as I did. 😊
Outstanding, wish we had this in USA!
You mean the Rocky Mountaineer?
@@rapidthrash1964 Canada's best train, yes! But sadly nothing like that in America!
😊
you do, its just different...
As an Australian who has 'been there and done that', I can recommend "The Coast Starlight" (Los Angeles to Seattle), "The Cardinal" (New York to Chicago) and "The California Zephyr" (Denver to San Francisco is the best part, but the whole trip is remarkable). The service levels are a little different, but don't let that dissuade you - Amtrak delivers.
Fantastically made video mate. Really enjoyed it
Thanks so much! Great to hear.
Hi Adam, i just discovered your channel today and watched the cross Australia journey. Now i am in New Zealand and it's just beautiful. I would love to visit your side of the world, maybe someday. In the meantime i will check out all your videos. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Sandra. I'm really happy to hear that. Hope you get to make it Down Under one day! :)
Great to see you back Adam. Looking forward to hearing about your next adventure.
Thanks Stewart!
thanks for another great video Adam! the scenery on this journey was incredible 🏔️ 25:39 also cracked me up! happens to me all the time at train stations - they’re so loud out of nowhere 😅
Glad you enjoyed it! Yes, the scenery was wonderful. Ha - yes, have me a shock. 😂😂
Hi Adam 👋 this is another outstanding presentation, and I look forward to your next adventure.
Happy to hear that John. Many thanks!
@@FromtheWindowSeat you're very welcome 👍
Excellent video Adam I think the cost Premium plus is good value if you can afford - and you don't encounter the riff raff. Love Moana Station-cheers
Thanks Richard. Yes, I think I need to stay in Moana at some point. Love those views of Lake Brunner. 😍
Thanks Adam for another great travel video. This reminded me of Silver Leaf Service in the Rocky Mountaineer. I reckon I'll be taking Scenic+ on the three trains from Auckland to Greymouth - I worked too hard and too long to leave an inheritance that my kids will only fight over.
More power to you, sir.
Ha - enjoy and well deserved, no doubt!
I haven’t been to Canada but definitely hope to travel on the Rocky Mountaineer one day. 🤞
This is an EXCELLENT video. I really enjoyed it and it has piqued my interest in possible traveling this route. I will be going on the Indian Pacific as the end of May in Australia. I liked your video of that journey as well. Keep up the good work!
So good to hear - thank you! Enjoy the IP!
I really enjoyed this I love train journeys
Wonderful - thank you!
I had been waiting for this video for quite some time. Very well made! 👍🏼
Your videos have inspired me to visit Australia and New Zealand. I shall definitely plan an extended vacation there soon.
Regards from India
That’s great to hear. I’m sure you’ll love both countries! ✌️
Abrilliant video on this new service, thanks. Really good on my Meta Quest 3 , in their browser. TH-cams 4k Fullscreen , about 2.5 to 3m diagonal virtual screen. !. Laurie NZ
Thank you!
Thank you smooch for sharing this video with the Scenic Plus product. Always wanted to know if it was worth paying the difference and definitely I'll go for it :)
Great to hear Diego. Cheers!
The scenery, open air and scenic cars share similarities to the Rocky Mountaineer.
Nice. Very keen to try that one day!
Hi Adam.
Great video. We loved the fact that you showed both journeys, that gave us a good feel for what was offered
Glad it was helpful! Thank you!
Welcome back Adam. Hope you’re well. Was so excited to see that you’ve a new upload. What spectacular scenery and as always, I love your done attention to detail. Safe travels and happy Easter. Cheers from Dubrovnik. ZZ
Thank you! Yes, all good here. Love Croatia. 😍
@@FromtheWindowSeat looking forward to your Japanese adventure next.
Great video again Adam, your videogralhy gets better and better. Seriously looking forward to your next video Cheers.😊
Many thanks Leon!
Adam please make more videos I think you're the bomb
Will do - thank you!
Another brilliant video, Adam.
Thanks so much Graham!
Thankyou for a fantastic video of your ChCh to Greymouth. I took this train trip as a teenager with my parents and only vaguely remember it. I'd love to go back on it one day soon.
Glad you enjoyed it. Hope you get to take it again soon.
I always enjoy your videos. Thanks
Great to hear. Thanks Andrew!
Great video as always. ;-)
Thank you! ☺️
Great video Adam, as informative as always. You have inspired me to make this trip one day 😊
Thanks Larry! Great to hear … New Zealand’s trains are hard to beat, scenery-wise. 😍
Outstanding video 😊
Thank you!
Thanks so much..love your narrative and information on screen...my only way to travel and look forward to every video 😊
Wonderful to hear. Thank you!
Outstanding video. And Idea Is Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus.
Thank you! Yes, Scenic Plus would be really enjoyable to take on this route.
Excellent video. Food looks really good.
Thank you. It was! 😋
Another master piece Adam. !!! You are making me rethink that maybe I should upgrade all of my train trips in New Zealand Scenic Plus...
Thanks so much! It’s worth doing if you can afford it and they have availability.
Another great trip, looking forward to seeing you spread your wings to new parts of the world.
You and me both!
Great Video Adam Happy Easter
Thank you. Happy Easter to you too!
Great video again thanks Adam! Speaking of sheep stations, ave you ever played Squatter?
Great Video!
Thank you! If only I had some incredible drone footage. 😜
@@FromtheWindowSeat Haha 😄
Great Video Adam, will be my reference when I visit NZ next time 😊😊I really enjoy your video
That’s great to hear. Cheers! ☺️
A good trip
Thank you!
@27:20 the Subtitles said "where are my shoes darling?" 😅😂😂😜😅
Oops! That’s very funny … good pickup (fixed). 🙏
Amazing video I can't wait for your next video
Thank you!
Love seeing the ex Auckland commuter carriages used as a kitchen! 🎉 great video as always Adam!
Just an addition, why have you never covered your home cities trains? I only recently found out that Adelaide has train services!
Thanks Daniel! Adelaide only has metropolitan trains … no regional services, sadly. And covering metro trains doesn’t seen terribly exciting. 🤷♂️
@@FromtheWindowSeat I didn’t realise there was no regional SA services, well that bonus of Adelaide is parklands terminal so you get to see all the best services Australia has to offer.
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Fantastic vlog 🚂 🫶
Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you!
What month were you here?
July 2023
I understand why the open air car is closed in the tunnel but why the cafe car and toilets? They are not open air.
It is a legal safety requirement for onboard crew and passenger's to be seated in case of an emergency in the Otira Tunnel.
Thanks for the answer Chris. 👌
Think most people can go without a toilet break for 15 min
Rolleston is actually not part of Christchurch, its an entirely different council.
I didn’t say it was part of the council just part of the wider metropolitan area, which I got from here: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolleston,_New_Zealand
I will say this the current carriage they are using is a normal one but will be replaced by a new o e that has been made for senice plus
Yes, that’s right. I believe it’s about to start operating with all table seating.
@@FromtheWindowSeat will be soon its in the process of being certified for use
If you don’t mind, would you please tell me what your editing software is?
Hi. I use Final Cut Pro.
@@FromtheWindowSeat Thank you. A funny part in this video was when you were rating it in greymouth, and the train blew the horn and you swore. Would you recommend this journey?
@@DXR8007NZR Ha! Yes, that made me jump! Yes, I’d definitely recommend this trip. 🏔️
Why don't Kiwirail get a few battery electric engines for thr tunnel section. As it is a short journey, they don't even need a massive battery, but it would eliminate this ridiculous faff with locking toilets etc.
Yes, that would be a good idea. 👍
The Tranz is a ‘light’ train. The West coast line’s primary freight is coal.
To get a 2000ton coal train up the 1:33 grade from Otira requires 4x 3300hp locomotives. (They use six for safety).
Battery electrics wouldn’t have a chance.
@@DB-thats-me I wasny talking about coal trains. In any event battery powered engines at that strength are available.
How much would it cost me for 1st class as a solo traveler??
It’s technically Scenic Plus rather than first class (there is no first class as such) but prices start at NZ $449 one way.
@@FromtheWindowSeat😳😱. No wonder Kiwis can’t afford to travel on our own trains. 🤬
@@DB-thats-me Fair enough. I guess it’s mostly aimed at tourists.
@@FromtheWindowSeat the pricing dissuades NZers from being tourists in their own country. My arguments has always been; ‘Lower the price and fill the seats’. It’s costs no more to run the train full as it does empty and make the profit ‘over the bar’,
I get the premium tickets are all incisive but my position still stands.
I see no reason not to give overseas visitors a good deal too. 😇
Good post, keep up the good work. 👍
You didn't rate the food for taste and quality.
I enjoyed it. Everything was pretty good … not amazing but reasonable quality.
I just cant pick your accent...
I’m Australian 🇦🇺
@@FromtheWindowSeat good job mate, I,m kiwi
@@jameshennephof4045 Thank you!