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 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
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Options
Christchurch to Arthur's Pass Day Tour: TranzAlpine Train & Lunch
Pickup included
Reviews
103 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lovely day, it is long...
Ellie S,,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Lovely day, it is long but worth it, as I was able to see so much and the train journey was a lovely way to end the day. The weather wasn’t great that day in Christchurch, but up in the mountains it was beautiful.
We had a wonderful day...
Natalie C,,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful day from start to finish, heaps of interesting stops along the way and Mark was an excellent host, very knowledgeable and funny, 10 out of 10 from us!
Amazing views!
Jay B,,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The whole experience was amazing! I forget the drivers name?! He was so nice and outstanding! He picked me up on Sunday, Feb 22nd if that helps narrow down who he is! Thank you!
Must do tour
Carol B,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed the coach trip to Arthur’s Pass, before catching the train back to Christchurch. Many interesting stops, with (mostly) easy walks and enough time to look and experience the vast mountainous surroundings. The walk up many steps to the waterfall of the Devils Punchbowl requires strong legs. At 72yrs, I made it- with breaks to catch my breath. A comfortable ride home in the train after a surprisingly active day.
Excellent scenic tour
Gary D,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A wonderfully and personalized narrated tour from Downtown Christchurch in a modern minibus. Our driver/narrator Hannah was extremely knowledgeable, courteous & friendly — sometimes her jokes were funny too :) I was thinking that the bus ride to Arthur’s Pass was to be endured before the star of the trip — the scenic train ride back to Christchurch. How wrong I was with Hannah at the wheel of the bus. We took the opportunity of a jet boat ride at one of the stops on the river for about 40 minutes and that was excellent too.
Take the train in your own
Mark E,,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00DO NOT book this trip. Just take the train up and back on your own. Do the hike to the falls and stop at the cafe in Arthur’s Pass. The guide was very good, but the van was so small. My knees were in the seat in front of me. Luckily we had 2 no shows otherwise we would have been even more cramped. We had our first stop at the jet boat. Only one person went on the jet boat, so the rest had to wait an hour with nothing to do. There was a five minute hike and you could feed the sheep.
Expat Kiwi home on holiday
John G,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Given the cost I would have expected a lunch like that 30 - 40 years ago, no imagination, Everything else ok
Great visit to the mountains.
Alberta N,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great visit to the mountains west of Christchurch. The driver took great care of the group, and made the trip fun with his knowledge and humor. Loved seeing the area, and the train ride back was a great way to relax and see the scenery and countryside.
So much fun!
360kerried,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful day out seeing so much of the beautiful NZ countryside. Our guide was so wonderful and knowledgeable. The jet boat ride was well worth it. The cheeky Kea we met at Arthur’s Pass was a great experience. The train ride back to Christchurch was so peaceful and the scenery was spectacular. Highly recommend it.
Very good
817neenad,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00One day trip with family. Had a wonderful experience. Pick up and drop off were convenient. Was given sufficient information before the trip.
From NZ$440.00
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