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
290 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Don’t miss it!
jexpat,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The park itself is stunning. The train ride is beyond incredibly beautiful. That we got to see it all even more thoroughly with this tour is icing on the cake. Ollie picked us up at our hotel in Christchurch and drove us to the train station. He got us situated on the train and told us what to expect. 2+ hours later, he was waiting for us as we disembarked. Ollie took us to many scenic points, on a hike up to Devil’s Punchbowl waterfall, and then to lunch at Grasmere sheep station (a good selection of delicious food). Ollie was knowledgeable, friendly, funny, and a pleasure to spend the whole day with. We highly recommend this tour, as well as Ollie leading it.
Great day out at Arthur's Pass
N8646JPstuartl,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ollie, our guide for the day, was exceptional. He arrived promptly and we were on our way. Throughout the day he gave us some great information, and he was friendly throughout. Overall it was a fantastic experience, thanks Ollie!
Spectacular scenery to enjoy at your leisure
Storyteller304046,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day with our tour guide Roger. We really felt we had the opportunity to experience everything on this trip to the stunning area of Arthur's Pass. Such spectacular scenery. The trip made everything easy. The train was fun and we also had a couple of short walks (40 mins) to really soak up the atmosphere of the mountains and surrounding area. Tour includes a lunch with your fellow travellers and some hints and tips from the tour guide along the way. Would recommend this trip.
Fun experience at Arthur's Pass
michaelrS1117FX,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide Paul was personable, friendly and knowledgeable. He made every effort to show us wonderful scenery of Arthur's Pass. We were fortunate to have a great weather day. It was a very enjoyable day. Thanks.
Beautiful scenery and amazing guide
mvictete,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience! First, we took the train to Arthur’s Pass, where we could go to an open carriage and take photos of the scenery. Then Stuart picked us up from the station and showed us around, took us on some beautiful walks. Lunch was also included. Stuart gave us many information about the area, and stopped along the way as required. He then dropped us off and gave us a great recommendation for dinner. Highly recommend!
Great adventure
Roma611,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The train journey was not as exciting an experience as I was led to believe. The brief glimpses of blue rushing water in ravines mainly between tunnels were hard to snap and the viewing carriages were closed for the period we passed through tunnels. The train itself was very smooth, clean inside comfy etc with huge clean windows to view the scenery. The tour improved greatly, when picked up by our guide, Ollie, in his minibus at the station. We were really pleased to be taken around various lovely sights, with photo stops, all with an excellent commentary, including walking to a huge waterfall and seeing the Kea. Lunch at up market sheep ranch was great. Ollie made other stops including at the Castle Hill rocks and then gave us more excellent information about the earthquakes that affected Christchurch on the drive back, as well as answering all our numerous guestions.
A great day.
Nasinleeds,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was excellent. We dad, saw and learned stuff that we otherwise wouldn’t. Lunch at Grasmere station was lovely. Ollie was a great guide - friendly and informative. We’d thoroughly recommend it.
Arthur’s Pass excursion
joelsY9016FH,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Arranged by our travel agent and this was a wonderful excursion. Roger was knowledgeable and friendly. Beautiful scenery from both the train to Arthur’s Pass and the ride back to Christchurch.
Great day out!
j0bat,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day out - scenic train to Arthur’s Pass , great viewing points and options for walking. Our guide was Grant who was excellent and knowledgable about the area and its wildlife. Well worth doing! Thanks
A terrific guide makes for a memorable tour!
davejL9822TI,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I have a long list of adjectives that describe Maureen, our guide on 24 February 2026 and it is hard to know where to begin. Maureen collected us at our hotel with such cheerful friendliness we knew we were in good hands. During the day she was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, kind, flexible, curious, and passionate. She is clearly a proud New Zealander (Kiwi?). By the end of the day we felt it too. We highly recommend this tour and you would be really lucky to have Maureen as your guide.
From NZ$895.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Canterbury Trails