TranzAlpine, New Zealand

The TranzAlpine delivers unmatched alpine vistas on a 4.5-hour trek from Christchurch to Greymouth, piercing the Southern Alps through Arthur's Pass. Travelers traverse gorges and beech forests so dense they block sunlight for miles, with 16 tunnels and 5 viaducts along the route. This journey outperforms #10's luxury experience by offering raw, untamed nature at a fraction of the cost—tickets average NZD $199. The observation car provides 180-degree views, a feature faster than the typical scenic train's enclosed carriages. At 223 kilometers, it's one of the world's great rail trips, combining engineering marvels with New Zealand's wild heart, making it a data-backed choice for beauty seekers.