Arthur's Pass Discovery and TranzAlpine Train - Small Group Tour
Overview
Available languages
9 hours
Mobile ticket
In the heart of the Southern Alps, Arthur's Pass National Park has an incredible diversity of flora and landscape. Experience a breathtaking journey aboard the TranzAlpine Train winding it's way through the magnificent Waimakariri Gorge. Join short guided walks to rainforests, rivers and mountain vistas. Traveling in a small group, maximum eight participants, allows for an intimate and informative experience. Return to Christchurch in one of our luxury vehicles.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
A percentage of the tour price is used for the conservation of New Zealand's wildlife, environment and it's endangered species
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
We will pick you up from your hotel and then drop you at the train station for the trip to Arthurs Pass on the TranzAlpine. Our guide will then meet you at Arthurs Pass, take you for lunch and a short walk before driving you back to Christchurch in a luxury vehicle.
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What To Expect
TranzAlpine Train
Journey across the wide expanses of the Canterbury Plains into high country surrounded by rugged mountain ranges. After leaving the Canterbury Plains, the landscape dramatically changes into sub-alpine we head towards the spectacular Southern Alps. View the Waimakariri River and its unique braided riverbed system. Enter Arthur’s Pass National Park where short walks can be made to experience forests, rivers and mountains vistas.
Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre
Follow the old stage coach route and travel down the spectacular Otira Gorge, testament to the road builders of the 1860's and the route taken by the Maori in their quest for greenstone. View Cave Stream where it burrows underground in an area of limestone cliffs and gorges, craggy outcrops and a setting of mountains to the east and west. This area was also used as for the filming of C.J Lewis’ story – “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”. The incredible Castle Hill rocks, unique weatherworn, rain smoothed outcrops of limestone are seen from the highway. Lunch at a country hotel, included in cost of tour.
What‘s Included
Light refreshments
Travel by TranzAlpine train
Local guide
Guided walks of Arthur's Pass National Park
Air-conditioned vehicle
Hotel pickup and drop-off from centrally located Christchurch hotels
Lunch at a country cafe
Cruise port pickup is not available
Gratuities
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Arthur's Pass National Park with TranzAlpine Train Tour from Christchurch
Pickup included
Reviews
305 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A Wonderful Day!
Z220TTjenniferw,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic day exploring Arthur’s Pass with Hugo our guide from Canterbury Trails. The scenic train journey enabled us to see the gorge close up, something you can’t do by car. Once we arrived at Arthur’s Pass, Hugo picked us up and drove us to all the beauty spots explaining how the fauna and flora changes. It was a wonderful day and we highly recommend this tour.
Arthur’s Pass National Park and Trans/Alpine Train
L5725KRwilliamk,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a very knowledgeable and extremely helpful guide named John. He exposed us to excellent walks, food establishments and knowledge of the local area. My wife and I highly recommend him and would request him again were we to return to the area.
A great day trip from Christchurch
777marnieb,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I loved our day with Canterbury Trails! It began with good communication as to the time we would be picked up from our hotel in Christchurch, followed by an easy transit to the TranzAlpine train where our seats were reserved and all we had to provide was our name. The train ride was comfortable with spectacular scenery and we had an easy rendezvous with our driver upon arrival. From there we drove to Arthur's Pass, chose from 2 different hiking options (or none at all), then enjoyed a pre-ordered lunch at a gorgeous inn in the foothills of the mountains. The ride home included another short hiking opportunity in Castle Hill Rocks, then direct delivery to our hotel in Christchurch. The day was remarkable and memorable for the ease with which we covered a lot of gorgeous NZ territory and for the expert guidance and enthusiasm of our wonderful guide, Manuela. She really made the day special and we are very grateful!
Great adventure
julie1232019,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were picked up at our hotel by David. Loved taking the train to Arthur’s Pass. Such a fun and unique way to travel. Then David met us at Arthur’s Pass and we headed back down the mountain making frequent stops that were fascinating! We stopped and had lunch at Grasmere. The food was excellent and the location was beautiful! The staff was very friendly and attentive. David was knowledgeable and a great guide.
Wonderful Tour
richardwW9656NM,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time on this trip. The train ride was good but rainy. A bit difficult to see our window, but still had some clear views. Once we got over the top of the mountain and threw the tunnel things cleared out. Our driver and tour guide Hugo was fantastic. He was knowledgeable, funny and considerate. gave you all the time you needed to do some walks and talks. We would highly recommend if you’re in Christchurch to do this tour
The Best Tour Guide!
charlenecA660JV,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide Hugo did a fantastic job!!! This was the best tour I had taken on my whole 10-day trip in New Zealand. He not only made it fun but gave us so much great information and sightseeing! Lots of good conversation with the group too. If I ever come back I would definitely take more tours from Hugo!
Above and Beyond in Christchurch!
Niro6,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a wonderful way to begin our journey learning about Christchurch and its spectacular surroundings! We were greeted early this morning with a smiling Hugo who had a twinkle in his eye and was always conscious of all the eight of us on this experience. By the end of the day we were hugging each other goodbye as if we were old friends. The train ride was lovely as it headed into Arthur’s Pass with its majestic mountains and scenery. We stopped along the way multiple times to view scenery or to take a trail into the bush. We ended with afternoon tea in an area where CS Lewis’ Chronicles of Naria was filmed. Hugo made the whole day memorable!
New Zealand at its best.
eamonns530,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A wonderful experience. Ollie, our guide, was most pleasant at all times. We had a very full day. My hobby being photography, Ollie ensured that I had ample opportunity to take advantage of the stunning scenery and I look forward to checking out the photos when I get home. He was very attentive to our general needs, making sure we were taken care of. He imparted a lot of excellent local knowledge, including his personal experience of the Christchurch earthquake. To be highly recommended.
A new incredible view around every corner
flyd0c5,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An excellent experience from start to finish with our expert guide Ollie. He picked us up from our hotel on time and guided us to our seats on the train. He showed up all the best views around Arthurs Pass and on the return journey to Christchurch addressing each of us by our first names. An excellent day from start to finish. Thank you Ollie.
Educational & Fun Experience to Arthur’s Pass & Back to Christchurch
Explorer41661480061,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour right from the start! Our tour guide, Mary, was very personable and made sure to introduce each of the people on the tour to each other. We’ve never had a tour guide do that and were impressed by her making the extra effort to do that! The train experience was fun, and the tour on the way back to Christchurch very educational. Mary definitely knew her stuff!
From NZ$895.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Canterbury Trails