They cancelled the service and didn't bother to let me know. They said they emailed me but I never received one. Only found out train was canceeled when we arrived ay Greymouth Station. All they could say was would you like a refund or to book another day? They couldn't care less if you had booked accomodation at the other end and flights too.
We did the scenic plus experience from Greymouth to Christchurch which included a served lunch. The journey is long (2:15pm to 7pm) but it went quickly thanks to the scenery (especially on a clear day) which is stunning. We had two forward facing seats within a bay of 4 (the other two are left empty deliberately) and a table. We enjoyed a meat platter for lunch and a two course hot dinner. Both were served with complimentary soft drinks/wine/beer/hot drinks for the duration of the journey. You can also access a private outdoor carriage to take photos without the windows in the way. We went one way having dropped our hire car off at Greymouth and that was a great decision. You can place your luggage in a separate luggage carriage (up to 23kg per person allowed) and you can carry on a backpack/bag of up your 7kg. A great way to enjoy seeing the countryside without driving!
Standard tickets were sold out so we had to fork out for "scenic-plus". Glad we did! It was trip highlight. Crisp white napkins, unending bubbly, great service and a lovely lamb stew. The 5-hours of scenery was unforgettable - simply SPECTACULAR. Being a photographer, my bliss was standing in the 'open viewing carriage' where you can take photos through open windows not hampered by reflective glass. It was a sensory delight being out there, smelling train smells, whipping through tunnels, across gravel riverbeds and mountains, the wind in your hair!
The entire journey through the Alps was unforgettable! Very picturesque and peaceful. I throughly enjoyed both ways of the journey!
I made my reservation & ordered my ticket online before leaving home ( US) I also booked my bus tickets ( I used InterCity) to get from Queenstown to Greymouth, with a few nights stop at Franz Joseph. From Greymouth I opted to get off of train at Arthur’s Pass for a day getting back on the train the next day in the afternoon. Trains are very clean and comfortable. Offer a beverage and snack cart. There is an open air compartment where you can take photos. See so much spectacular landscapes through the big windows. I had a really good experience & recommend adding this experience to your travels in beautiful New Zealand.