Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christchurch With TranzAlpine
Overview
Available languages
10 hours
Mobile ticket
Nestled at the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana), Arthur’s Pass is steeped in history. Home of the world’s only truly alpine parrot and our namesake, the Kea, the now National Park’s dramatic terrain, powerful waterfalls, unique fauna, native Beech forest, and engineering feats make it a popular destination for hikers and sightseers alike.
You will be driven in comfort by our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the trip that bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides and including return to Christchurch aboard the world famous TranzAlpine, this journey is one you will never forget!
As this tour operates in an alpine region, the weather can be unpredictable so please prepare for all conditions. Please note that this tour is not suitable as a shore excursion.
Additional Info
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
WiFi on board
Bottled water
Lunch
Air-conditioned vehicle
local snacks
TranzAlpine Train Ticket
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
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).
Lake Lyndon
Next up we stop at Lake Lyndon. Nestled at the base of Porters Pass, Lyndon, or Te Hāpua Waikawa, is popular amongst jetboaters, bird watchers, and brave swimmers. It is known as one of this area's colder lakes.
Options
Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christchurch With TranzAlpine
Pickup included
Reviews
63 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highly recommend!
Elizabeth H,
Oct 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00I traveled solo and this was a great day tour. Our guide Will was very informative and made the day fun. I definitely recommend paying for the jet boat ride, very fun and made me feel very alive! Castle Hill was stunning and we had time to walk around there and also to eat the bag lunch (good sandwich and snacks). There were other brief stops for good photo opportunities. I walked the Devil’s Punchbowl path up to a waterfall and that was enjoyable and worthwhile. I enjoyed the tranzalpine train from Arthur’s Pass back to Christchurch, definitely glad I did that part. Overall, I highly recommend this trip. I have no complaints. I definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a day trip outside of Christchurch with very beautiful scenery.
Day trip outside Christchurch
Patrick T,
Oct 3, 2025
- Viator
5.00Excellent service! Our guide was very informative, friendly, and made sure everyone felt safe and well-briefed throughout the tour. The experience itself was both engaging and a wonderful way to learn more about Christchurch and New Zealand. Our group included both young and older travelers, and there was truly something for everyone—whether enjoying a short hike or simply relaxing on the scenic train ride. I would recommend this trip if you just have one full day to see what's outside of Christchurch.
It was a long drive but...
Helen Y,
Sep 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00It was a long drive but it was very scenic and we made stops along the way to Arthur’s Pass. Our tour guide was very informative so I learned a lot during the drive. The snacks and lunch was good and fresh.
Stunning Views
Margarita E,
Aug 21, 2025
- Viator
5.00Amazing tour of the beautiful mountains. Feeding the sheep was the highlight of the tour. We were lucky enough to have it snow on us, which is very rare where we were. Jess was great in taking us to beautiful picture spots. The train views were breathtaking.
Fantastic tour!
Anne K,
Aug 10, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was a fantastic tour, I thoroughly enjoyed it! Phil, our guide, was very knowledgeable, had a great sense of humour and was great at answering random questions when asked. The stops were all very scenic, we were lucky enough to have lots of snow on the mountains and it snowed while we were there too. Absolutely beautiful scenery, the right balance of time on transport and getting out and walking. We had a good amount of time to hike at Arthur's pass which was very much appreciated. The TranzAlpine train back was also worth doing though may be better later in the year as it became dark on the journey down, but not til we were out of the Alps so we still got to see the stunning scenery. I highly recommend this tour
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Operated by Cheeky Kea Tours