Christchurch to Arthur's Pass Tours + TranzAlpine Train & Lunch
Description
Discover the breathtaking Southern Alps on this Arthur's Pass day tour from Christchurch. Travel in premium comfort through Canterbury's alpine region, then return on the world-famous TranzAlpine train—one of the world's most spectacular rail journeys. Your Kiwi guide shares Māori history and insights as you cross Canterbury's braided rivers. Stop at Waimakariri Gorge for riverside walks and an optional jet boat experience. Explore Castle Hill's limestone formations that inspired Middle Earth, visit alpine lakes including Lake Pearson and Lake Lyndon, and stop at Otira Viaduct Lookout. Lookout for the Kea—New Zealand's alpine parrot. At Arthur's Pass Village, hike the Devils Punchbowl Track to a 154-meter waterfall or explore village shops. Your highlight awaits—the return journey aboard the TranzAlpine train with open-air viewing carriages. Please note that this tour runs in reverse in winter.
Tour Options
Itinerary
As we make our way through the Selwyn District, you will be greeted by Springfield, where we will then make our turn off towards the team at Alpine Jet Thrills. Here there are walks, views of the Waimakariri river, and sheep cuddles to enjoy. Looking for more adventure? Add on a 30 minute thrilling jet boat experience on one of the region’s most famous rivers (extra booked and sold separately).
Quick photo stop at Lake Lyndon (Te Hāpua Waikawa), nestled at the base of Porters Pass. Known as one of the region's colder alpine lakes, capture reflections of surrounding peaks.
Explore Castle Hill (Kura Tāwhiti), one of Canterbury's most iconic locations. These ancient limestone formations inspired Middle Earth™ and nearby Flock Hill became a filming location for The Chronicles of Narnia. Wander amongst the majestic boulders at your own pace—this is a self-guided exploration
Stop at Ōpōrea (Lake Pearson), the largest of three mountain lakes on the pass. This picturesque glacial lake offers stunning mirror reflections and is historically significant as a mahinga kai site for Ngāi Tahu iwi.
Witness the 440-meter Otira Viaduct spanning the Otira Gorge—a true feat of engineering. Keep your eyes peeled for cheeky Keas, New Zealand's only alpine parrot and one of the world's most intelligent birds.
Experience the majestic Southern Alps at 740 meters elevation. Choose your adventure: - Devils Punchbowl Walking Track: 1-hour return walk through native beech forest to a 131-meter waterfall - Village Exploration: Coffee, shops, and DOC visitor center Your guide will advise on the best activity based on weather and timing.
This walking track is approximately 1 hour long, with a gradual incline (including steps) towards a ferocious 131 metre tall waterfall. Fitness is low to moderate as you walk through the bush and native beech forest. Please note that depending on time, your guide will let you know how long you have and will assist you on the day in regard to the best activity for the weather and time allocated.
The highlight of your tour! Board the world-famous TranzAlpine for your return journey. Head to the open-air viewing carriage for spectacular views across braided rivers, past high-country sheep stations, and around dramatic horseshoe bends. Watch the landscape transition from rugged alpine terrain back through beech forests and onto the Canterbury Plains. Sit back, relax, and reflect on an incredible day. Note: the Train is scheduled to arrive Christchurch at 7:00 PM but delays are possible - if you have onward travel plans, we recommend allowing extra time to ensure you have ample time for any connection. TranzAlpine bookings are managed by Great Journeys New Zealand, who cannot be held responsible for any missed connections due to delayed train arrivals.
Your guide will be waiting at Christchurch Railway Station to transfer you back to your original pickup location in our Mercedes Sprinter.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
For a smooth pick-up process please be waiting at your selected pick-up location at least 5 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time. Your vehicle may be delayed due to previous pickups. Please be patient and wait 10 minutes before calling the office. Our drivers cannot wait for late customers. No show / late customers will not be refunded. We only pick up from locations that have a pickup noted. Please make sure you have let us know your pickup location. For hotel pickups please be waiting at or Infront of reception.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(121)
CHECK YOUR PICK UP TIME. VERY UNCLEAR and caused confusion. Coordination between Viator and Cheeky Kea Tours was absent.
I guess weather is a factor and if the train journey had been first and return on bus with flexibility on time spent at each place. Wasn’t pleasant walking in cold windy weather or just wasting time in a cafe waiting to go on the train. The jet boat was the first experience that cost extra. I think the tour was really overpriced for a driver and bus trip and a dragged out day... Lunch included it is was just a snack of a salad roll.and a packaged biscuit.
Great day out. The guide was knowledgeable and helpful. We would recommend this tour for all ages. Loved the train.
Tour was good. Simon was our driver n commentor. Train ride was good.
Well worth doing, Nick our driver up was fantastic, nothing was too much trouble. The train trip back was exceptional, thoroughly enjoyable and Nick met us at the station and dropped us back to our hotel. Couldnt ask for better service
Everything was nice. Our tour guide was very accommodating. Weather was raining so walking was not the best. Loved the tour guides suggestions. We had a great van full of awesome new friends. Thank you
Fantastic experience, we enjoyed every moment of it! Our guide Paul was knowledgeable and recommended multiple things for us to do in our free time. The views are spectacular and you spend the right amount of time at each stop. Jet Alpine Thrills has a beautiful bush walk you can do if you choose to not to the Jet Boat (we saw multiple Fantails who flew around us it was incredible!) Castle Hill was stunning, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Then later in Arthurs Pass, my friend and I attempted the Devils Punch Bowl and the others on our trip encouraged us to keep going when we thought about turning around. This experience was the best on my trip yet and I’m so thankful we chose this!
We had a fantastic time exploring Arthur’s Pass with Mike! He is a wealth of information and has a real knack for bringing the group together—his stories about native birds were a highlight, and he even helped us spot a Kea. Mike was consistently proactive, ensuring we had all the trail details well in advance, and his safe, professional driving kept us completely at ease. While the food was a bit underwhelming, Mike’s exceptional guiding and the incredible sights made this an unforgettable trip.
Some great views of the Southern Alps. Jess was fun, informative, punctual, and energetic. The tour hit all the spots I wanted to see. The stairs up to the Devil’s Punchbowl are numerous, but worth it! The views out the train are stunning
John was an exceptional tour guide. He was kind, knowledgeable, and accommodating. it was really clear that we just got blessed to spend the whole day with a nice man, and the itinerary was terrific and just a perfect day.
