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
69 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Expensive
DayTrip01074253698,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Very 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
5.00Will 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
5.00Incredibly 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
4.00Great 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
5.00Mark 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
- Review from 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.
Great day out and spectacular scenery
sweetpeapb1,
Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00I took my grand daughter as she hadn't been on a train before (aged 12). We were picked up on time, the van was 3/4 full with the other people and off we went. The trip stops along the way to Arthurs Pass to walk or view things. Once in Arthurs Pass we went on a little to go over the Otira Viaduct which is an amazing thing before settling in Arthurs Pass to have a hot drink and some nibbles wile waiting for the train. The train ride back home was lovely. If I did it again though I would go there by train and return by coach as it was dark over half our way home. You would see more doing it the other way round.
Day trip outside Christchurch
Patrick T,
Oct 3, 2025
- Review from 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
- Review from 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.
Christchurch to Arthur Pass and return by Tranzalpine train
Happiness16941288363,
Aug 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an amazing trip with a small group, offering plenty of photo opportunities, and the documentary was top-notch. The only recommendation I would like to make is regarding the pickup time. If clients are being picked up around 7:45 a.m., there should be a stop for coffee and breakfast before heading to Springfield. The current café there isn’t suitable for breakfast. We ended up missing breakfast that day, as we had hoped there would be a proper stop.
Related Experiences
Operated by Cheeky Kea Tours