Christchurch to Arthur's Pass Tours + 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 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.
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)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Christchurch to Arthur's Pass Tours + TranzAlpine Train & Lunch
Pickup included
Reviews
116 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Christchurch train trip
D7580XYdebbier,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything was nice. Our tour guide was very accommodating. Weather was raining so walking was not the best. Loved the tour guides suggestions. We had a great van full of awesome new friends. Thank you
Fantastic!
Alyssa R,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic experience, we enjoyed every moment of it! Our guide Paul was knowledgeable and recommended multiple things for us to do in our free time. The views are spectacular and you spend the right amount of time at each stop. Jet Alpine Thrills has a beautiful bush walk you can do if you choose to not to the Jet Boat (we saw multiple Fantails who flew around us it was incredible!) Castle Hill was stunning, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Then later in Arthurs Pass, my friend and I attempted the Devils Punch Bowl and the others on our trip encouraged us to keep going when we thought about turning around. This experience was the best on my trip yet and I’m so thankful we chose this!
We had a fantastic time...
sangee,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00We had a fantastic time exploring Arthur’s Pass with Mike! He is a wealth of information and has a real knack for bringing the group together—his stories about native birds were a highlight, and he even helped us spot a Kea. Mike was consistently proactive, ensuring we had all the trail details well in advance, and his safe, professional driving kept us completely at ease. While the food was a bit underwhelming, Mike’s exceptional guiding and the incredible sights made this an unforgettable trip.
Great views of the Southern Alps and other sites
c1ph3rd,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Some great views of the Southern Alps. Jess was fun, informative, punctual, and energetic. The tour hit all the spots I wanted to see. The stairs up to the Devil’s Punchbowl are numerous, but worth it! The views out the train are stunning
nice tour guide, good sights, well planned
MomboHeb,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00John was an exceptional tour guide. He was kind, knowledgeable, and accommodating. it was really clear that we just got blessed to spend the whole day with a nice man, and the itinerary was terrific and just a perfect day.
Day out to remember
Pamela F,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Jet boat experience can only be done for minimum of two in a tour bus party. South alps visited only have snowy peaks at certain times of the year.
Fantastic scenery and a relaxing train journey home
William H,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Small tour of 16 people. Very friendly and guide was very helpful. All ran like clockwork. Stops allowed us to take in the wonderful scenery and the train back to Christchurch was very comfortable. It had a bar so I could relax and have a well-earned beer whilst watching the fantastic scenery pass by. Very good value.
Great
Janine K,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Great day trip. Mark’s commentary was interesting & welcome.
Day trip
rosalindw821,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00John our driver was very friendly, there was a good crowd size. Overall the experience was great.
Our tour guide John was...
MaryJo W,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide John was engaging, informative and entertaining. Travelling through the Alps at the end of the summer was pretty, but I kept imagining how dramatic this scenery would be during the spring with the mountains snow capped and the rivers running full. It was nice to be able to take in the changing landscapes and not having to worry about the driving. The jet boat ride, offered for a fee, was fun and a nice addition to the trip. The return train ride was a relaxing, slow and scenic way to end the day.
From NZ$440.00
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