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‘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
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
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.
Options
TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip
Pickup included
Reviews
391 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Tour guide was knowledgeable and caring
Ellen S,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great day out and our tour guide couldn’t have been more thoughtful and accommodating. The train ride is lovely but I enjoyed the bus back just as much. The stops along the way with loads of information regarding what to expect and how long it would take to do each walk was greatly appreciated. The walk to devil’s punchbowl was challenging but we were given lots of time to make the trek and the same is true at Castle hill, plenty of time to enjoy the walk. The water and snacks were delightful and the whole day was incredibly relaxing.
Train going and minibus returning from Arthur’s Pass filled with wonderful vistas and stops on return that were must see
Stephen C,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We were able to see much of Canterbury plains and the Southern Alps in a comfortable train coach, and many of the highlights of same on return in minibus
The experience was...
Trevor H,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The experience was fantastic, the train ride was a relaxing experience. The return trip was a great experience with a knowledgeable and thoughtful driver. The drivers and knowledge of the area including land systems and agriculture was very insightful. I would recommend this trip to everyone.
Trans Alpine rail trip
RICKI P,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I thoroughly enjoyed the day Very friendly guide polite and very considerate Scenery was spectacular No complaints
Arthur's Pass
Christopher Y,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A really lovey day. Pick up on time in a clean and comfortable people carrier/ mini van and returned us back to Christchurch at expected time. The guide was excellent with really good knowledge and provided us with timely information. Water and snacks were freely available The itinerary was as stated with ample time for the planned walks. The guide/driver was polite and respectful at all times and ensured everyone was comfortable.
Amazing trip, magnificent...
Natalia C,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing trip, magnificent views, must-to-do experience. The drive was very friendly and helpful. So much fun!
What a beautiful country
H5064FUsuec,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Booked Transalpine train through NZSI tours for Sat 1st Nov. Not cheap and I sort of regretted only going to Arthur's Pass after seeing such amazing scenery. We got off there and boarded our 20 seater bus for guided bus travels around the area and back to Christchurch. However our driver/guide was amazing and we saw things we would never have known about. Waterfalls, viaducts, lime stone rocks at Castle Hill; movie set sights; explanations on stream water colours; which mountains have snow all year; why train needs extra engines and my favourite the Kea. And as a bird nerd he also stopped at Lake Pearson and we were lucky enough to see the endangered Southern Grebe. Life was complete. Great day out with the most amazing scenery from train and I think even better from the bus.
Perfectly balanced day
Robert S,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very nice day Train ride was just the right length and the bus ride return along with stops was perfect Scenery was best during bus stops Enuj , our guide, was informative. Great way to finish up our 21 day Aussie/NZ vacation
Beautiful day out in the southern alps
Adrian F,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a pleasant tour . Our guide Anuj, was entertaining, patient & looked after us well. He was very knowledgeable & stopped us at many interesting spots to point things out to us & allow us time to take pictures. The transalpine train ride was great. The sights breathtaking.
Tranz Alpine and bus trip. Christchurch retut
Janet C,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour guide, plenty of water and snacks, stunning scenery and we had a great day. We would highly recommend this trip
From NZ$410.00
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Operated by NZSI Tours & Travel