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
410 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Tour was great!!
Misha P,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Anuj, our guide was amazing! His knowledge of the area was vast and I learned a lot of fun facts I didn't know before my trip. We made tons of stops at points of interest. He has umbrellas, water, and snacks. He even gave us some tips on the rest of our trip. I highly recommend taking booking this tour if you are planning to explore the Arthur’s Pass area!
Top Arthur's pass sights
Amy R,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fabulous way to experience the best of Arthur's pass. This tour has everything: trains, a great drive, viewpoints, waterfalls, rocks, nature and great guided information
Beautiful day in alpine NZ
glC6650HJ,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a great time with Anuj in this trip. Anuj is very knowledgeable and shared lots of good info about NZ and this trip stops. He stopped at many locations to make our day both fun and comfortable. I did another tour with his company, one that goes to Mt Hood, and that was awesome too. I had 2 beautiful days out in alpine NZ, thanks to Anuj.
Well worth a day
Warren S,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great train ride, and the excursions on the return by bus were even better. Thoughtful and informative bus driver/guide.
Southern Alps
GEORGE K,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent sure, but going into the mountains?Take a warm coat as well as rain.Gear. The day we went was cold, reigned all day. the wind gusts were unbelievable
This was a great tour -...
Casey N,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great tour - amazing sites and scenery, good mix of activities and a great tour guide. Everything well organised and flowed easily. Lots of options given for the activities.
Wonderful day out
James F,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent. Lots of really good stops in the bus, and the train journey was the perfect length. Suggested hikes accessible and really worth it. Great way to spend a day from Christchurch. Guide also brilliant and brought lots of snacks and water!
Perfect day
W3755MPkerstins,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a live and well organised day. Pick up, drop off good in time, the drive=guide very knowledgeable and friendly, the journey trough The Valley and up to Mt Arthur breathtaking.
NZ has much prettier areas than this route. EXPENSIVE
CarpeDiem201612,,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Good option if you don’t want to drive from Westland to Christchurch. Area was much less dramatic than we anticipated. Train was 2/3 empty ( prices are STEEP at $180/ pP one-way) and well taken care of w/ restaurants and viewing carriage. Certainly would not want to go round trip. Well organized.
This was an amazing day...
Anita U,,Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an amazing day trip! We saw so many beautiful sights. Our guide was so prepared with umbrellas and ponchos. Even though we spent a lot of time in the bus, we had multiple stops, including 2 for short hikes. Our guide was kind and knowledgeable. The train was beautiful, so scenic. Loved this day trip-we got to see so much, especially with our limited time here!
From NZ$410.00
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Operated by NZSI Tours & Travel