Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch

Overview

Available languages

English

9 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Enjoy a Sightseeing tour to Arthur’s Pass through the spectacular scenery of the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps. Journey on one of the world’s greatest train journeys, lunch in an Alpine Village nestled in the heart of the Southern Alps. Visit a high country sheep farm for a farm tour and afternoon tea, you might even be allowed to have a go at shearing a sheep.

Additional Info

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Tour may operate in reverse - so Tranzalpine train from Arthur's Pass to Christchurch

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

What‘s Included

Tranz Alpine train journey Christchurch to Arthurs Pass one-way

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Local guide

Afternoon tea

Air-conditioned vehicle

Lunch (if option chosen)

Gratuities

Options

Arthurs Pass No Lunch

Arthur's Pass Day Tour including Tranzalpine Train & Farm Tour Does not include Lunch
Pickup included

Full Day Arthurs Pass Tour

Full Day Arthur's Pass Day Tour including TranzAlpine Train, Lunch and Sheep Farm Visit with Afternoon tea
Pickup included

Reviews

4.51

172 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

124

Highly recommend whilst in Christchurch
Amanda B,
May 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00
A must do on your trip to Christchurch - Carmen our local guide was fantastic who explained everything thoroughly and kept us on time. TranzAlpine Express from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass took us through some beautiful scenery - with low clouds made for a spectacular journey. Staff on board were very helpful and the cafe had a great and affordable range of items. Open observation car could become crowded at times. Lunch at Arthurs Pass Cafe & Store was disappointing - average food and slow service. Highlight was seeing Ned the dog at Toby Hill Farm do his work rounding up sheep. Trevor and Heather were exceptional hosts.
Don't Miss This Exceptional Tour With Carmen!
William A,
May 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00
This was a terrific tour and our tour guide, Carmen, was EXCEPTIONAL! She had the trip planned down to the minute with every detail thought through such that we had no worries at all. Carmen was/is warm, personable, knowledgeable and very energetic - a true pleasure to be around. We traveled via train to Arthur's Pass and back to Christchurch via van with plenty of scenic and interesting stops along the way to include a 300 step climb to a view of a beautiful waterfall. To say the scenery was breath-taking would be an understatement. This is a great tour to get you outside the city of Christchurch. I 100% recommend this tour to anyone traveling to NZ. I 1000% recommend taking this tour with Carmen. She is a terrific representative of not only Christchurch but the country of New Zealand. Well done Carmen and thank you for a wonderful time that we'll remember forever!
An average trip if you have time to spare
ShubhroJyoti M,
Apr 28, 2025
- Viator
3.00
We were picked up in a small coach as the group size was extremely small. We were only 4 of us. The TranzAlpine which is touted as a must experience ride seemed to me over hyped. The landscape and the natural beauty that we experienced while driving around NZ was many times superior what we could see from the train trip. Once we reached the Arthur’s Pass, we alighted and then the Coach took us for a short hike to see the waterfalls which was nice and picturesque. We then went to a spot to view the bridge and also the West coast area. We were to visit a farm and have high tea which the operator cancelled saying due to a medical emergency. I thought as we were too small a group to do so as then their costs would be high. Instead, we stopped at Castle Hill, known for its dramatic limestone rock formations and Maori historical value and given an ice cream in compensation for the high tea, which I felt cheated.
Excellent!
Nikhilesh R,
Apr 19, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Simply, a must see and take day trip! One of the best nature trip I’ve taken. Stunning scenery, lively and informative guide, and a good non-rushed schedule.
A Pass You Never Forget
Eric J,
Apr 14, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Great train, amazing views and an excellent tour guide (Jude). I would recommend it over and over again!