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
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Arthur's Pass National Park with TranzAlpine Train Tour from Christchurch
Pickup included
Reviews
287 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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.
Impeccable...
Connector01838124067,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The train ride was superb, and our shuttle driver, Maureen, was impeccable beyond words, truly so!
Amazing
drmankul,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful experience. Special mention of Mr. Grant who took us in small group tour to Kaikoura whale watching and also to Arthur’s pass one way by train and return by road. He showed us some amazing places, stopped frequently for photo stops, wonderful places for lunch, some great hiking and above all was very humble. He has in depth knowledge about almost everything he showed. Hey Grant, it was lovely meeting you. We are the 2 docs from India. Best wishes mate .
Arthur’s pass and Mountain View’s
Roxolly,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We’ve just had a fabulous trip up to Arthur’s Pass on the train. Our Guide Dave met us at the hotel and took us to the station then met us at Arthur’s Pass. Dave drove us round giving lots of information with a few stops which were great. Thoroughly recommended
Great day out, unique NZ experience.
markwbroadhead,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an excellent day out on the train, and the return in the minibus was even better with Paul, who was good fun, engaging and knowledgeable.
Great trip and marvelous guide!
Seaside43179086290,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great day taking the train to Arthur's pass then returning via van to Christchurch with a fabulous lunch at Grasmere, and a couple short hikes in route. Our tour guide, Mandy, was absolutely the best with a wealth of knowledge and great explanations on the return trip! Lovely day!
From NZ$895.00
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Operated by Canterbury Trails