TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

Name: TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip
Price: 390 NZD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.84 (471 reviews)

Overview

Available languages

English

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

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.

Maximise your scenery with our confirmed morning train tickets during winter months (May to September). By travelling earlier in the day, you enjoy full daylight for the entire journey—perfect for capturing the spectacular winter landscapes.

Please note this tour may operate in reverse during summer from October to April. If morning train tickets are sold out, you will travel from Arthur’s Pass to Christchurch in the afternoon. Since the sun sets late in summer, you will still enjoy the entire journey in full daylight with spectacular views.

We have designed our itinerary with a dedicated break at [Arthur's Pass National Park], giving you the freedom to explore the local cafes and choose a meal that suits your appetite.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

TranzAlpine Train

Once we’ve collected you from your chosen location around 7:00 am, we transfer you to the TranzAlpine for one of the world's most scenic rail journeys. Enjoy breathtaking alpine vistas from panoramic windows or the open-air carriage. Your guide will meet you at Arthur's Pass Station to begin your mountain tour.

Admission Not Applicable

Arthur's Pass National Park

While you enjoy the rail journey, your guide travels ahead to meet you right on the platform at Arthur’s Pass Station. From there, we’ll drive to the Otira Viaduct lookout for spectacular views—including the vibrant red Rata flowers during summer. Keep an eye out for the cheeky Kea, New Zealand’s inquisitive alpine parrot! Our mountain exploration continues with a visit to the stunning Avalanche Creek Waterfall and several other scenic highlights within the National Park.

45 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

WiFi on board

National Park fees

Transport by air-conditioned late model Minibus.

Fully guided tour except the walks.

Small group

Bottle water and light snacks

Pickup and drop-off from selected Central Christchurch Hotels.

TranzAlpine Train Tickets from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass.

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

4.84

471 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

410

Fun times with great people of all cultures
Leanne T,May 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Pack a warm jacket and glasses as when you go out and enjoy the open carriage on the train trip it can be a bit cold and dusty. Our guide for the day was Anuj. Abuja is everything and more that you'd expect of a tour guide operator. Knowledgeable, friendly and professional are only a few reasons why you would hipe to have him as your guide. Anuj was also very funny which helps when you have a tour group with mixed culture. The views during this whole experience was breathtaking and we would do it again in a heart beat
Don't miss this stellar tour even if it's a wet and rainy day!
starefun,May 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our driver and guide for the day, Anuj was superb. Despite the mix-up of seating arrangements by the Train Operator, he ensured that seating arrangements were all sorted before the TranzAlpine departed Christchurch Train station. I loved that TranzAlpine had a dedicated App that one could tune in to enjoy the commentaries of various stops like Springfield, Sheffield and the Staircase Viaduct. The seats were comfortable, and many like myself took turns to enter the open-aired viewing carriages for pristine views of the mountains and valleys; not to mention breathe in the fresh alpine air that we can't take home with us. Upon alighting at Arthur's Pass station, Anuj took over the driver and commentary. Despite the fact that we had rain weather throughout the trip, our spirits were not dampened as he encouraged us to stop for photos throughout the many stops along the way. Even though I was the only one on the trip who trekked the Devil's Punchbowl waterfall loop, Anuj managed the group dynamics well with the others having a longer stop at Arthur's Pass village. I still managed to have a quick Fish and Chips meal by the Tavern at Arthur's Pass village, and it was the best Fish and Chips I had in my NZ trip. As Anuj mentioned, many of the guests have feedback that their highlight for the trip is Castle Hill. He was absolutely spot on. Again, I was the only one who walked the entire loop amongst the majestic towering limestone rocks at Castle Hill. It was almost a spiritual and surreal experience to be walking amongst these towering rocks. Don't miss it even if there's a downpour! Last but not least, I really want to thank Anuj for managing the trip well, knowing that I have to be at Christchurch Airport in the evening. We arrived back in Christchurch for me to collect my luggage and catch a public bus to the Airport for my flight out of Christchurch.
Highly recommended! Anuj...
sue o,May 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Highly recommended! Anuj our guide was fabulous, highly knowledgeable and super friendly. Enjoyed everything we saw and the walks were spectacular!
Fabulous day trip
Kathy E,May 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great day out. So good to break up the day with part train and then driven around to castle hill etc. Fabulous driver and very knowledgeable
Very nice day of discoveries.
Robert C,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00
Very nice day of discoveries. Beautiful landscapes, very knowledgeable staff. To be included in your planning.
The lakes & passes...
Dhanya K,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
The lakes & passes covered in this tour is one of the under rated trips in New Zealand. Highly recommend
It was a wonderful day...
Mark M,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was a wonderful day experience. Our driver, AJ was very informative, helpful and flexible in looking after our group's needs. Thank you AJ!
Wonderful experience
M6423TBnicoled,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
10/10 especially for our bus driver and guide. I neglected to get his name but he was so informative and was just lovely to talk to. From our pick up time and location which went smoothly to drop off and pick up at the train stations to touring the gorgeous mountains in a comfortable mini bus with a few empty seats to spread out and plenty of photo ops and walks. We had a wonderful day with a stopover for lunch at Arthur's Pass and with tasty snacks provided by our bus driver and guide which kept everyone happy on the trip back to Christchurch. We would recommend this tour to everyone coming to see beautiful NZ.
Great day of sight seeing
karl s,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Despite low clouds had great scenery, good hikes. Our tour guide was very informative and friendly - definitely added to experience.
Best views!
Gregory P,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
What a beautiful train ride and drive back. It was a full day, but with lots of great sites and great hospitality from our driver. All around excellent experience- and highlight of the area.