TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip
Overview
Available languages
10 hours
Mobile ticket
Experience the South Island's remarkable natural landscapes by taking a journey on the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass, which is considered one of the world's greatest train journeys for the scenery through which it passes. Enjoy breathtaking views of Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps, ice-fed Waimakariri River, lush beech forests and stunning landscapes. Explore walking tracks in Arthur's Pass National Park with spectacular mountain views & pristine waterfalls. Capture mirror images at Lake Pearson & wander through the majestic limestone boulders at Castle Hill. A perfect day trip for nature lovers, hikers & adventure seekers.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A small amount of walking is involved.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
Fully guided tour except the walks in the National Park & Castle Hill.
Bring your phone, USB charger & headphones to enjoy the audio commentary on the TranzAlpine Train.
Tour may operate in reverse order; where train will be booked from Arthur's Pass to Christchurch, if morning tickets are sold out.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Christchurch Cathedral
After pick-up from your hotel at 7.30am, your guide will drop you to the train station in Christchurch for one of the greatest train journey's in the world. Travel on the TranzAlpine train & admire the stunning scenery through panoramic windows & open air viewing decks. Disembark the train at Arthur's Pass National Park where you will meet your guide again.
Otira Viaduct Lookout
Then drive down to Otira Viaduct which provide impressive views of red flowering rata in summer months & grab the opportunity to spot the inquisitive Kea (alpine parrot) well known for its cheeky nature.
What‘s Included
WiFi on board
National Park fees
Transport by air-conditioned late model Minibus.
Fully guided tour except the walks.
TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass.
Small group
Bottle water and light snacks
Pickup and drop-off from selected Central Christchurch Hotels.
Lunch
Pickup points
Fino Hotel & Suites
87 Kilmore Street Christchurch New Zealand
Chateau on the Park - Christchurch, a DoubleTree by Hilton
189 Dean Avenue, Riccarton Christchurch New Zealand
Adina Heritage Christchurch
28 - 30 Cathedral Square, Christchurch New Zealand
Crowne Plaza Christchurch By IHG
764 Colombo Street, Armagh St. Christchurch New Zealand
Hotel Montreal
363 Montreal Street Christchurch New Zealand
The Mayfair
155 Victoria Street Christchurch New Zealand
Distinction Christchurch Hotel
14 Cathedral Square Christchurch New Zealand
Quest on Kilmore
93 Kilmore Street Christchurch New Zealand
Wyndham Garden Christchurch City
64 Kilmore Street Christchurch New Zealand
Options
TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip
Pickup included
Reviews
424 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour!
alex b,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience, the train ride was fun. Exploring Arthur's Pass and Devils Punchbowl walk was very interesting, but we really like walking around the Castle Hill. Anuj was a wonderful guide and took very good care of everybody and providing a lot I f interesting information. We definitely recommend this tour!
Great day out. Our guide...
Helen H,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great day out. Our guide was really helpful and knowledgeable. He did a great job explaining about the train journey and Arthur's Pass national park.
Guide/Driver Anuj was...
Soniya D,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Guide/Driver Anuj was very helpful, warm, patient, informative & friendly. Got ample time to soak in all the sights.
Absolutely Wonderful Experience!
rominafR8628YM,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If I could leave 10 stars, I absolutely would! I booked the TransAlpine Tour for NZD 400, and I honestly don’t even know where to begin with my compliments. Starting with the booking experience: I started considering this experience very last minute and reached out via WhatsApp without really expecting a response. To my surprise, Parul replied very quickly and answered all of my questions with patiently. My location wasn’t ideal for the pickup times, but she immediately helped me find a solution by suggesting an Uber to the railway station, which I could make work. Even though I felt a bit bad messaging on a Saturday, she was incredibly welcoming and supportive even with my booking late at night . Now to the tour itself — absolutely spectacular! The stops were very well selected and we were able to enjoy some incredible scenery. Our guide for the day was Anuj, and after reading all the positive reviews about him, I can absolutely say that they are well deserved. He is amazing: polite, attentive, and extremely knowledgeable. I absolutely loved his commentary. ❤️ He even made the effort to remember everyone’s names, which is something I’ve honestly never experienced on a tour before. Although lunch was not included, Anuj surprised us with chocolate and even snacks placed on our seats, so when we returned from our walks it felt like Christmas morning ❤️😄. I genuinely cannot speak highly enough of the entire experience. I would recommend this tour to anyone without hesitation and would happily do it all over again. Thank you so much for such an amazing experience ❤️
Excellent tour - highly recommended
YunMay C,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful, our guide Anuj was excellent. It was very well priced for a premium small group experience. Water, snacks, umbrellas all provided for. Quick timely response during the booking process as well.
Beautiful trip to Authors Pass.
Alice B,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The 3 hr train ride to Authors Pass offered spectacular views. We met friendly, like minded travelers. A couple of the memorable hikes to the Devils Punchbowl Falls and Limestone boulders took a bit of hiking but they can also be enjoyed from the car park. The tour was well paced with well timed breaks to interesting spots. Our driver/guide was attentive and informative without droning on. We truly felt the whole experience was worth the time and money.
Wonderful day out
Kerry T,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It’s a wonderful day out. The train is comfy, clean and well organised with great service. The bus is fun with Arjun, who is an all-round terrific guide. He looks after everyone very well. The Southern Alps are incredible and the bus tour is really enjoyable. Even if the weather is bad, it’s still a great trip. Be sure to pack for wet weather though!
A fantastic day out in a...
Sue V,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A fantastic day out great train ride through a completely unspoilt landscape, huge mountains, raging waterfalls and breathtaking views, our guide Anoush made the day special with his amazing knowledge of the area, a day to remember, thankyou
Great way to spend a day!
James C,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00AJ was a perfect tour guide and we really enjoyed our day. He set expectations for the day from the beginning (which I always appreciate) and provide great knowledge and insight along the way.
Moderate
Hartmut M,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00On a 10 hour tour 2.25 hours train ride. The ride was mediocre to good. The rest was bus ride, which did not meet my expectations
From NZ$410.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by NZSI Tours & Travel