TranzAlpine Train Journey: Breathtaking Views from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass
4.9
240 Ratings
Christchurch
Embark on a breathtaking journey from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass on the TranzAlpine train. Experience stunning landscapes, lush forests, and majestic mountains on this perfect day trip for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Duration:
10 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- 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.
- Devils Punchbowl Walking Track - Your guide will then recommend you some popular walks in the National Park with incredible views.
- Arthur’s Pass National Park Visitor Centre - After your walk enjoy 1 hours free time for lunch at a local cafe & explore the village of Arthur’s Pass.
- Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area - On your return journey, travel by road in a luxurious minivan with a few scenic stops on the way. Take a coffee break & capture stunning mirror images at Lake Person. Then wander through majestic presence of limestone rock formations at Castle Hill Conservation Area. Stretch your legs one last time at Lake Lyndon that regularly freezes in winter months. Return back & drop-off to your location in Christchurch.
What's Included
- Bottled water
- 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
- Pickup and drop-off from selected Central Christchurch Hotels
What's Not Included
- Lunch
Additional Information
Embark on a scenic expedition on the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass, renowned as one of the most picturesque train journeys globally. Soak in the captivating sights of the Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps, the glacier-fed Waimakariri River, verdant beech woodlands and awe-inspiring panoramas. Traverse hiking trails in Arthur’s Pass National Park featuring impressive mountain vistas & untouched waterfalls. Reflect on nature’s beauty at Lake Pearson & meander among the grand limestone formations at Castle Hill. An ideal day excursion for those passionate about nature, hiking & thrilling adventures.
- 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.
Location
Christchurch Bus Interchange
Colombo Street
Your guide will pick you from outside FreshChoice Supermarket (located at 71 Lichfield Street) which is across the road from Bus Exchange.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(240 Ratings)
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Rajeev_j
Apr 20, 2024
Definitely worth if you want to see the southern alps in a relaxed manner where everything is taken care of - Anuj was great. Very professional, had a lot of information, history and anecdotes to share about the places and things we were seeing. It was a wonderful day. Highly recommend it.
Review provided by Viator
G2173anandrewd
Apr 19, 2024
Wanted to experience the train - The trip was great. The tour guide was excellent! Definitely worth the visit. A lot to take in and the people there are very friendly and knowledgeable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chris_h
Apr 18, 2024
An NZ must do! - A great relaxing day trip. Highly recommend. Don’t miss this trip if you’re travelling in NZ South Island
Review provided by Viator
Naoma1
Apr 16, 2024
Fun on the train - The train ride was very fun. Our guide was very knowledgeable and made the return trip in a luxury van a joy.
Review provided by Viator
Toffeeman_9
Apr 15, 2024
The day was one of the best we have ever experienced - We enjoyed our TranzAlpine train to Arthurs Pass and return by minivan. The guide did an exceptionally good job looking after us, and he was so well prepared, with umbrellas, ponchos(which were needed in Arthurs Pass and for the Devils Punchbowl walk) and chocolates/ chips and other treats. The TranzAlpine train seats were in the best location to see the magnificent views , front carriage, forward facing on the right hand side. (albeit the open air carriage got very full with photographers from throughout the train, NZSI could not help that). Arthurs Pass cafes lunch options were a bit limlted, but ok. The weather was dry after Arthurs Pass and the guide made several stops at scenic and interesting locations, which he was informative about.
The day was one of the best we have ever experienced. Well done NZSI.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Donna_h
Mar 28, 2024
Great Experience! - The half day train combined with hikes at Devils Punchbowl and visit to Castle Hill was wonderful! The guide gave us some suggestions for lunch and steered us to check out the chapel which was an added gem. Devils Punchbowl was one of my rehab goals after 2nd knee replacement because of all the stairs but I was able to manage and so glad I did. What a beautiful waterfall!
Review provided by Viator
Michele_w
Mar 25, 2024
Fabulous day tour. - The whole day was great. The train trip was brilliant. Great scenery and commentary along the way. The coach ride back was equally as good with the right amount of stops, a couple of walks and great commentary from our driver/tour guide (Ajui?) Hope I got his name right. What an asset he is to the company! Overall, I great day out.
Review provided by Viator
Robert_s
Apr 4, 2024
Nice Trip - The train into Arthur’s Pass was a nice, comfortable and relaxing way to get there. We hiked to a beautiful waterfall to get some great pics(lots of stairs so be prepared). Overall, it was a long day but a nice way to see some beautiful landscapes.
Review provided by Viator
Joeo104
Mar 26, 2024
Beautiful views, fun train ride, cramped bus. - Very comfortable train ride. Excellent tour guide provided interesting commentary, plus bottled water and snacks. Beautiful views and unguided walks. Only complaint was that the tour bus seats were way too cramped. Need a bigger bus for all the time you spend in it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nicole
Mar 24, 2024
A Compact, but Thorough, South Island Experience - Beautiful train ride that thoroughly showcased the beauty of the South Island. The tour took us to a multitude of stops, and provided a fun day of scenic look outs and small hikes. The tour guide was very thorough, and shared his knowledge of the flora and fauna of Arthur’s pass.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
