Christchurch to Arthur's Pass Day Tour TranzAlpine Train & Lunch

Overview

Available languages

English

10 hours

Mobile ticket

Discover the breathtaking Southern Alps on this Arthur's Pass day tour from Christchurch. Travel in premium comfort through Canterbury's alpine region, then return on the world-famous TranzAlpine train—one of the world's most spectacular rail journeys.

Your Kiwi guide shares Māori history and insights as you cross Canterbury's braided rivers. Stop at Waimakariri Gorge for riverside walks and an optional jet boat experience.

Explore Castle Hill's limestone formations that inspired Middle Earth, visit alpine lakes including Lake Pearson and Lake Lyndon, and stop at Otira Viaduct Lookout. Lookout for the Kea—New Zealand's alpine parrot.

At Arthur's Pass Village, hike the Devils Punchbowl Track to a 154-meter waterfall or explore village shops. Your highlight awaits—the return journey aboard the TranzAlpine train with open-air viewing carriages.

Travel carbon-neutral in a premium Mercedes Sprinter and enjoy an included lunch and expert guiding with your small group. 100% Kiwi-owned.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Expert Kiwi guide with live commentary (English)

Free WiFi, USB charging and bottled water ports onboard

TranzAlpine train ticket (Arthur's Pass to Christchurch)

Lunch and kiwi snacks

Hotel pickup and drop-off from 16 central Christchurch locations

Premium Mercedes Sprinter transport with air conditioning

Small-group tour for personalized attention

100% carbon-neutral tour—all emissions offset

Jet boat experience at Alpine Jet Thrills (optional on the day)

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

As we make our way through the Selwyn District, you will be greeted by Springfield, where we will then make our turn off towards the team at Alpine Jet Thrills. Here there are walks, views of the Waimakariri river, and sheep cuddles to enjoy. Looking for more adventure? Add on a 30 minute thrilling jet boat experience on one of the region’s most famous rivers (extra booked and sold separately).

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

Lake Lyndon

Quick photo stop at Lake Lyndon (Te Hāpua Waikawa), nestled at the base of Porters Pass. Known as one of the region's colder alpine lakes, capture reflections of surrounding peaks.

5 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Christchurch to Arthur's Pass Day Tour TranzAlpine Train & Lunch

Pickup included

Reviews

4.40

73 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

A great day out with...
Joanne S,
Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
A great day out with knowledgeable guide. Saw some amazing sites and the trip catered for different people - options to do activities or chill and have a coffee. Ideal for sole travelers as you meet others also travelling alone. Make sure you take wet weather gear - the weather at Arthur’s Pass was pretty wet!
Tour size exceeded max of 16pax
Zen Z,
Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00
On that day, tour size was too big at 21 pax which clearly exceeded what was mentioned at max of 16 pax. Each stop for photo taking was rather rushed. Joseph was the driver and the tour guide for the day. He’s a skillful driver and quite knowledgeable however was less thoughtful and patient towards the elderly on board. At one point, it was raining and he was laughing and trying to sound cheeky by saying the elderly passenger was unable to handle the rain when she used an umbrella to shelter from the rain. Transalpine train was also late by more than 45mins back to Christchurch station which disrupted later on schedules.
Scenic views en route to Arthur’s Pass
joewC6449TA,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
The combination of taking the trip to Arthur’s pass by land/van and the return by train was a good idea. We learned a lot about the area and NZ from our driver Mark who was great. The stop and visit to Castle Hill was nice. The tour was fully booked with 10 people so the van was full and somewhat crowded.
If you love beautiful scenery, this tour is for you!
chrissJ8258MW,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I cannot say enough about the stunning scenery. The train takes a gentle path up into the central mountains. Then our tour bus took us back down via a completely different route, so we say things we never would have seen from the train. The geology of the region is facinating, and makes you feel like you are in a fantasy novel. I highly recommend!
Great experience
WesternTravelGal,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a great experience! We had no trouble with payment and found this to be a more affordable option with additional benefits (eg lunch) compared to other tours we looked at. The guide was friendly and at this time of year going back on the train was wonderful since it stays light until after 8 pm. Recommend!
Expensive
DayTrip01074253698,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00
Very unhappy to find out we had been charged in US Dollars, effectively doubling the advertised price. Trip was booked in NZ for NZ!
Will picked us up on time...
Eunkyue P,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Will picked us up on time and explain whole schedule well. Jet boat was so much fun and his driving was skillful and reliable. He is great and kind to everybody in our tour group!!!
Excellent
Debra K,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Incredibly beautiful. Andrew was very articulate and attentive. He took the time to explain and is very knowledgeable.
Incredible views!!
janetmB272UX,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
Great guide/driver (Ross)! Gorgeous scenery. Unfortunate flat tire incident but all good in the end. Thrilled to see the Kea's and the train ride was spectacular!
Love this!
Danae J,
Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Mark was a wonderful tour guide. Even with wind storms the day before and the train was not running Mark made this experience fun. Tour company is ace!