Christchurch to Arthur's Pass Day Tour TranzAlpine Train & Lunch
Overview
Available languages
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).
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.
Options
Christchurch to Arthur's Pass Day Tour TranzAlpine Train & Lunch
Pickup included
Reviews
65 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Love this!
Danae J,
Oct 25, 2025
- Viator
5.00Mark 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!
Highly recommend!
Elizabeth H,
Oct 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00I traveled solo and this was a great day tour. Our guide Will was very informative and made the day fun. I definitely recommend paying for the jet boat ride, very fun and made me feel very alive! Castle Hill was stunning and we had time to walk around there and also to eat the bag lunch (good sandwich and snacks). There were other brief stops for good photo opportunities. I walked the Devil’s Punchbowl path up to a waterfall and that was enjoyable and worthwhile. I enjoyed the tranzalpine train from Arthur’s Pass back to Christchurch, definitely glad I did that part. Overall, I highly recommend this trip. I have no complaints. I definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a day trip outside of Christchurch with very beautiful scenery.
Day trip outside Christchurch
Patrick T,
Oct 3, 2025
- Viator
5.00Excellent service! Our guide was very informative, friendly, and made sure everyone felt safe and well-briefed throughout the tour. The experience itself was both engaging and a wonderful way to learn more about Christchurch and New Zealand. Our group included both young and older travelers, and there was truly something for everyone—whether enjoying a short hike or simply relaxing on the scenic train ride. I would recommend this trip if you just have one full day to see what's outside of Christchurch.
It was a long drive but...
Helen Y,
Sep 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00It was a long drive but it was very scenic and we made stops along the way to Arthur’s Pass. Our tour guide was very informative so I learned a lot during the drive. The snacks and lunch was good and fresh.
Stunning Views
Margarita E,
Aug 21, 2025
- Viator
5.00Amazing tour of the beautiful mountains. Feeding the sheep was the highlight of the tour. We were lucky enough to have it snow on us, which is very rare where we were. Jess was great in taking us to beautiful picture spots. The train views were breathtaking.
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