TranzAlpine Train & Small Group Tour to Arthurs Pass with Lunch
Overview
Available languages
12 hours
Mobile ticket
Journey through the breathtaking Southern Alps aboard the iconic TranzAlpine train, one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. Departing from Christchurch, travel through dramatic river gorges and alpine passes before disembarking in Arthur’s Pass where you’ll meet your guide and continue by modern Mercedes Sprinter.
Enjoy free time in Arthur’s Pass Village to explore, walk to the impressive Devils Punchbowl Waterfall, or relax with a coffee, before returning via scenic stops at the remarkable Otira Viaduct and the unique limestone formations of Castle Hill, renowned for their natural beauty and cinematic history.
- Scenic 10-hour experience combining the TranzAlpine train and guided return journey
- Free time in Arthur’s Pass Village for walking, exploring, or relaxing
- Visit the iconic Otira Viaduct and Castle Hill’s unique limestone landscapes
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can hire seats ($20NZD per seat) or you can provide your own
Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
Tour duration includes travel time between locations
What To Expect
TranzAlpine Train
Your day starts with pickup from select hotels, before arriving at Christchurch Train Station, where you'll board the TranzAlpine, consistently ranked among the world's most scenic rail journeys. Settle in and watch the city fade into the Canterbury Plains, before river valleys narrow and the Southern Alps close in around you. There's an open-air viewing carriage you need to check out! May - September: disembark train in Arthur's Pass October - April: disembark train in Greymouth
During the winter months (May - September) disembark in Arthur's Pass, or in summer months (October - April) disembark in Greymouth. From there you will meet your guide, and board our modern Mercedes Sprinter for the return journey.
Options
Tour - Train to Arthurs Pass
TranzAlpine Train: Christchurch to Arthur's Pass Duration: 10 hours: Tour duration includes travel time between locations Lunch Minibus Pickup included
What‘s Included
Hotel pickup (select locations only)
Lunch
Fully guided small group bus tour
One hour at Arthur's Pass Village (walk or explore, your choice)
TranzAlpine train ticket - Christchurch to Arthur's Pass
No restroom on bus
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
18 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Arthurs Pass Transalpine
Louise B,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great train trip. Great personalised guide. Scenic hikes............................................
Excellent - Highly Recommend
Luisa H,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We were collected from our hotel easily and on time. Our group size was 8 - perfect. The train experience was excellent, with the plenty of room on the viewing platforms for taking photos. It was a miserable day, with it being cold and wet at Arthurs Pass but the group remained flexible with the itinerary and many laughs were had. Lunch was plentiful - one did not go hungry. Paul, our driver was brilliant with providing information along our tour and finishing the day with donuts in Springfield. We are thinking of doing this tour again on our next visit and hope for some snow on the mountain tops = makes for great photography.
Amazing TranzAlpine Experience and Beautiful Scenery
xiajiangg2026,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was one of the highlights of our trip. The TranzAlpine train journey was stunning from start to finish, and the small group return tour made the whole day very relaxed and enjoyable. Arthur’s Pass was beautiful, with enough time to walk around, take photos and enjoy the village. Castle Hill was also a special stop and definitely worth seeing. Well organised, comfortable and highly recommended.
Almost Train Trip
Jackie B,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We boarded the train in Christchurch and headed off to Arthur's Pass. Unfortunately, due to the train breaking down we didn't get to our intended destination. We rejoined our tour at Springfield and traveled to Castle Hill. The walk at Castle Hill was great with fabulous views. We then traveled back to Christchurch. Will definitely book the tour again on our next trip to Christchurch.
Awesome trip
ninl2026,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience for sure! Definitely recommended to everyone.
Strongly recommended!!!
annabelx2026,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great experience overall, I would strongly recommend it to anyone who loves walks, hiking and amazing views!
wonderful trip
Y8974PJ,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a wonderful trip. The tour guide is very patient and helpful. The scenery here in New Zealand is absolutely stunning. I really enjoyed this pleasant journey.
Amazing trip
O5565JSjanetl,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an amazing and memorable trip, and my family and I had a truly wonderful time. Thank you so much.
非常好的一个旅行
雪霞窦,May 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing trip in New Zealand! Great views and pleasant journey. The guide took good care of all tourists and arranged everything perfectly. Really enjoyed every moment here, worth booking
Amazing Arthur’s Pass and train Experience with Cheeky Kiwi
Gloriahao,May 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I recently took a friend from overseas on the TranzAlpine Train & Small-Group Coach Tour to Arthur’s Pass with Cheeky Kiwi, and we both absolutely enjoyed it! The scenery was stunning, and the whole experience was very well organised. Our guide, Paul, was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the trip even more enjoyable with his interesting commentary and warm personality. The small-group format was perfect, the lunch was great. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Christchurch or wanting to explore the South Island. Thank you, Cheeky Kiwi for such a memorable day!
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Operated by Cheeky Kiwi Travel