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
266 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Arthur’s Pass Tour with Canterbury Trails
JPH1900,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing day on our tour of Arthur’s Pass National Park. Our guide, Manuela, picked us up at our hotel, and we had a wonderful time with her. She kept us all entertained with educational stories while she drove, and was very thoughtful and intentional about her stops along the way.
Unique experience outside Christchurch
redoctober30,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great day - such a unique experience. Starting on the train and seeing the beautiful scenery, then arriving in Arthur’s Pass. It was quite cold and rainy up there, but our guide Dave did an excellent job navigating when to go where between the rains. We still got to walk and experience the area. Then we stopped for lunch at Grassmere, an excellent farm-to-table establishment, for a delicious lunch. On the drive back we also stopped at the spectacular Cave Stream Scenic Reserve for absolutely stunning views. Thanks Dave for a great day!
Amazing guide
mikehL8896HK,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Stewart was extremely knowledgeable, he helped make a trip of a lifetime even more memorable. The best of the best out o all of our guides while in New Zealand. Grasmere high country dining was awesome.
Incredible day with Ole (Ollie)!
F434MCcarolg,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic day touring Arthurs Pass and Castle Hill Rocks via the Transalpine train one way and Mercedes drive back with Ole. He made sure we had a chance to see the Kea bird, hike to a beautiful waterfall, lunch at a sheep station (delicious food & drink--sourdough pizza made in front of us in an outdoor pizza oven), hike to Castle Rock formations. Lots of interesting information and stories along the way. Top notch tour company. Highly recommend asking for Ole as your guide
Mary was a wonderful host.
chrispQ7302UX,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mary picked us up on time and led a very informative and interesting trip. We had a great day and found Mary most accommodating, friendly and knowledgeable. The trip was adapted to our needs and abilities.
Great end of holiday trip and NZ adventure
emmasF4225LJ,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mary was our guide and we were very impressed Loads of knowledge as from a farming background and so was able to explain so much Train trip wasn’t that inspiring but we’d been in NZ for past month so we’re familiar with more spectacular views Enjoyed walk up to waterfalls and an excellent lunch at Grasmere and chef kindly provided delicous dessert to celebrate a birthday - lovely group 8 in total Comfortable drive up Otira Gorge and Castle Hill rocks
Wonderful trip on the Trans Alpine train booked with Canterbury Trails!! Roger was the best guide!!
cathyk0,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the mid fantastic day on the the Trans Alpine Train via Arthur’s Pass. Our driver and guide Roger was brilliant, friendly, informative and professional. Lunch at Grasmere Lodge was superb! My husband and I couldn’t have asked for a better day. Highly recommend Canterbury Trails tour company.
Private Arthurs Pass Discovery and TranzAlpine Train tour with Manuela
234rands,,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00While in Christchurch, we experienced the Private Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train tour with Manuela of Canterbury Trails. From the very start, Manuela took great care of us, ensuring we brought the proper attire for weather at the Pass and providing umbrellas when needed. She ensured a quick and easy boarding of the train and then met us promptly in Arthurs Pass for our follow on tour. Manuela was a fantastic guide, taking us to a number of different waterfalls, a lunch at a quaint restaurant in Arthur's Pass, and experiencing the Castle Hill Rocks. Manuela made our trip very enjoyable as she provided details about the places we went and additional info on the area. It was truly a great trip and Manuela was a major reason for our enjoyment!
Great trip with trans alpine.
TorbenN664,,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A fantastic trip by train in the best sunny weather, with views of the mountains. A nice walk on a nice path, with fine photoshots. Nice lunch at Grasmere with the most beautiful views of the mountains. Our guide Roger met us on the walk as we are not so quick to walk. Stop at Castle Hill where Roger served tea and coffee.
Amazing trip
D1948MHjaneg,,Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ole our driver was a fabulous host for the day and I can highly recommend this company. Starting with a safety briefing with clear protocols as we were going into an Alpine area, the tour felt thoroughly professional but also friendly and informal. As someone who is not super fit with an arthritic knee, Ole read the situation well and managed to guide us to appropriate walks without limiting our experience of the amazing views. Great lunch at Grassmere sheep station too. A very enjoyable day - would highly recommend this tour.
From NZ$895.00
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Operated by Canterbury Trails