How to Customise Your Holiday with Railbookers
Create your perfect train holiday from start to finish with our customisation options. Customising your train holiday gives you the ability to build the exact journey you want (and nothing you don’t).
TranzAlpine
Experience the Tranz-Alpine, a breathtaking 5-hour rail journey between Greymouth and Christchurch, showcasing the stunning scenery of the Southern Alps. Renowned as one of the world's most scenic train journeys, it combines wilderness magnificence and engineering feats. Immerse yourself in the dramatic transformations between coasts, traversing the rugged and inspiring mountain terrain of the South Island.
Changing Landscapes and Iconic Spots
The landscape transforms as the train enters the mountains at Springfield. Here, the climb through the Southern Alps begins along winding river gorges punctuated by elegant bridges and viaducts. Iconic spots like Lake Sarah and Mount Binser showcase the grandeur of towering peaks framing alpine valleys and lakes. At Cass, expansive views open from the high-altitude rail line cutting through this remote mountain heartland. Another highlight comes at Arthur's Pass, where the rainforest-lined Otira River valley shelters the train before it enters the longest rail tunnel in New Zealand. Emerging on the West Coast, the scenery takes on a lusher tone in the river valleys descending to Greymouth. Vibrant swampland and ancient native forest cloak the shores of New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Brunner.
Scenic Class
Scenic Class offers large, comfortable seating All seats align perfectly with the large panoramic windows, which enable every passenger to make the most of the spectacular scenery that this route has to offer. In addition, passengers can make use of the open-air viewing carriages, which are perfect for taking photos and videos, as well as relaxing and taking in the beautiful surroundings. For those who like to stay informed throughout the journey, a headphone commentary is provided, which points out items of interest throughout the journey.
Scenic Plus Class
Scenic Plus Class offers the same benefits as Scenic Class, with some additional inclusions on top. Seats are larger and more comfortable and are arranged two by one across the aisle, allowing for greater leg-room. Passengers can enjoy complimentary drinks and nibbles, as well as a range of New Zealand delicacies freshly prepared onboard and served at your seat. From breakfast pastries to an extensive lunch, cheeses, and canapés, there is plenty to enjoy! As well as headset commentary, the team of onboard hosts will offer a personal insight into the scenery as you travel, allowing passengers to become fully immersed in the stunning surroundings.
Dining Experience
Customer Testimonials
"It is because of [Railbookers] great customer service that I booked with you and will most certainly recommend you to anyone who I talk about my adventure with.”
— Morgan
Venice via the Alps
“I wanted to thank you for what was just simply a brilliant holiday. For me, it was my last 'bucket list' thing to do! All in all a memorable time. Our thanks for your excellent service.”
— John
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to Venice
“The flawless rail travel network in Switzerland, the great organisation of the trip by Railbookers, and how smooth rail travel was even in COVID times.”
— Elke
Custom-Curated Holiday
“It was different from other holidays, we could see more of the country. Do it, it is a great way of having a holiday!”
— Alan
Custom-Curated Holiday
“We love Railbookers - always well organised and good hotels.”
— Richard
Cologne City Break
“Use Railbookers! Things change overnight. Railbookers dealt with those changes quickly and with little trouble for me. Had I booked it all independently I would now either be in self-isolation for 14 days or be out of pocket by a lot.”
— Mark
Custom-Curated Holiday
“Booking this was a pleasure and the team was brilliant.”
— Andrew
Nice City Break
“First Class Friendly Service. We have always been pleased with Railbookers, but this time they have exceeded themselves. Due to Covid, we had to rebook our Orient-Express to Venice by one year but they managed to get us the same deal including The Italian Lakes at the same rates in the same Top Hotels. Well done!”
— Peter
Custom-Curated Holiday
“Recently travelled on a city break to Amsterdam just before Christmas with Railbookers and have to say everything went perfectly well. Trains direct from London to Amsterdam return was so much easier than flying, the hotel was in a perfect location and great quality. Also, the tram pass made getting around the city effortless, so happy the reservation agent recommended this to us. This would be my second trip with Railbookers after booking with them to visit Lyon by train and once again everything went fantastically well.”
— Ben
Amsterdam City Break