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‘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
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
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.
Options
Arthur's Pass National Park with TranzAlpine Train Tour from Christchurch
Pickup included
Reviews
244 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great outdoor experience....
Elaine M,
Feb 25, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great outdoor experience. Spectactular views.. Loved seeing kea. Door to door service. Great day out. Bring a rain jacket and warm clothes in case the weather turns.
Fun day out and nice train ride
David W,
Feb 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00Fun day out seeing the sights. We did the trip in reverse, (van first and then train back). Tour guide, Kate, was great and very informative. Did a little like hiking/walking around some cool rock formations and in a forested area. Highlight for me was seeing a bunch of juvenile Kea parrots flying around us. Train ride was pleasant with nice sights, but not life changing. Food on the train was very basic.
Highly recommended small group tour
Rita L,
Feb 19, 2025
- Viator
5.00Well organized tour securing a spot in the scenic train, with multiple stops along the way to explore areas not easy to get to - all on a day tour! Our guide Manuela was superb as well! Thank you !
Great day!
Virginia F,
Jan 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00It is a wonderful way to see more of New Zealand than we had seen in the rest of our trip. Perfect combination of train ride and guide led tour of Arthur's Pass. Our guide, Jock, included everyone in the adventure
Fantastic tour
Annette H,
Jan 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our guide Peter was amazing. He was very knowledgeable, the train ride was fun but I would suggest bringing food/coffee with you or go to the cafe early as the line was really long. The Tranzalpine train really needs 2 cafes. Peter took us to a waterfall and to Castle Hill. We had lunch at a local cafe which was lovely. The stop for coffee/tea & biscuits was a perfect way to end the tour.
Related Experiences
Operated by Canterbury Trails