Christchurch to Arthur's Pass Tours + TranzAlpine Train & Lunch Discount Tickets

4.5
★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 124 reviews |
location pin icon Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
location pin icon Christchurch
4.5 /5
124 reviews
View all Christchurch to Arthur's Pass Tours + TranzAlpine Train & Lunch photos
View all Christchurch to Arthur's Pass Tours + TranzAlpine Train & Lunch photos

Get your discount tickets for the Christchurch to Arthur's Pass Tours + TranzAlpine Train & Lunch, save up to 12% !

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12% OFF Refundable
Christchurch to Arthur's Pass Tours + TranzAlpine Train & Lunch
FROM

$187.22

REG. $213.68

Offer details

Pickup included

Overview

Discover the breathtaking Southern Alps on this Arthur's Pass day tour from Christchurch. Travel in premium comfort through Canterbury's alpine region, then return on the world-famous TranzAlpine train—one of the world's most spectacular rail journeys. Your Kiwi guide shares Māori history and insights as you cross Canterbury's braided rivers. Stop at Waimakariri Gorge for riverside walks and an optional jet boat experience. Explore Castle Hill's limestone formations that inspired Middle Earth, visit alpine lakes including Lake Pearson and Lake Lyndon, and stop at Otira Viaduct Lookout. Lookout for the Kea—New Zealand's alpine parrot. At Arthur's Pass Village, hike the Devils Punchbowl Track to a 154-meter waterfall or explore village shops. Your highlight awaits—the return journey aboard the TranzAlpine train with open-air viewing carriages. Please note that this tour runs in reverse in winter.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

We only pick up from locations we have been notified of. Please make sure you let us know your pick up location will be the bus interchange. Please be waiting at the Intercity Bus Stop on Lichfield Street. It is recommended that you arrive 5 minutes prior to your pick up time.

Pickup Information

For a smooth pick-up process please be waiting at your selected pick-up location at least 5 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time. Your vehicle may be delayed due to previous pickups. Please be patient and wait 10 minutes before calling the office. Our drivers cannot wait for late customers. No show / late customers will not be refunded. We only pick up from locations that have a pickup noted. Please make sure you have let us know your pickup location. For hotel pickups please be waiting at or Infront of reception.

Language Offered

English-GUIDE

Itinerary

1. Waimakariri River
As we make our way through the Selwyn District, you will be greeted by Springfield, where we will then make our turn off towards the team at Alpine Jet Thrills. Here there are walks, views of the Waimakariri river, and sheep cuddles to enjoy. Looking for more adventure? Add on a 30 minute thrilling jet boat experience on one of the region’s most famous rivers (extra booked and sold separately).
Duration: 60 mins
2. Lake Lyndon
Quick photo stop at Lake Lyndon (Te Hāpua Waikawa), nestled at the base of Porters Pass. Known as one of the region's colder alpine lakes, capture reflections of surrounding peaks.
Duration: 5 mins
3. Castle Hill
Explore Castle Hill (Kura Tāwhiti), one of Canterbury's most iconic locations. These ancient limestone formations inspired Middle Earth™ and nearby Flock Hill became a filming location for The Chronicles of Narnia. Wander amongst the majestic boulders at your own pace—this is a self-guided exploration
Duration: 60 mins
4. Lake Pearson
Stop at Ōpōrea (Lake Pearson), the largest of three mountain lakes on the pass. This picturesque glacial lake offers stunning mirror reflections and is historically significant as a mahinga kai site for Ngāi Tahu iwi.
Duration: 5 mins
5. Otira Viaduct Lookout
Witness the 440-meter Otira Viaduct spanning the Otira Gorge—a true feat of engineering. Keep your eyes peeled for cheeky Keas, New Zealand's only alpine parrot and one of the world's most intelligent birds.
Duration: 15 mins
6. Arthur's Pass National Park
Experience the majestic Southern Alps at 740 meters elevation. Choose your adventure: - Devils Punchbowl Walking Track: 1-hour return walk through native beech forest to a 131-meter waterfall - Village Exploration: Coffee, shops, and DOC visitor center Your guide will advise on the best activity based on weather and timing.
Duration: 60 mins
7. Devils Punchbowl Walking Track
This walking track is approximately 1 hour long, with a gradual incline (including steps) towards a ferocious 131 metre tall waterfall. Fitness is low to moderate as you walk through the bush and native beech forest. Please note that depending on time, your guide will let you know how long you have and will assist you on the day in regard to the best activity for the weather and time allocated.
Duration: 60 mins
8. TranzAlpine: Scenic Train Christchurch - Greymouth
The highlight of your tour! Board the world-famous TranzAlpine for your return journey. Head to the open-air viewing carriage for spectacular views across braided rivers, past high-country sheep stations, and around dramatic horseshoe bends. Watch the landscape transition from rugged alpine terrain back through beech forests and onto the Canterbury Plains. Sit back, relax, and reflect on an incredible day. Note: the Train is scheduled to arrive Christchurch at 7:00 PM but delays are possible - if you have onward travel plans, we recommend allowing extra time to ensure you have ample time for any connection. TranzAlpine bookings are managed by Great Journeys New Zealand, who cannot be held responsible for any missed connections due to delayed train arrivals.
Duration: 180 mins
9. Christchurch
Your guide will be waiting at Christchurch Railway Station to transfer you back to your original pickup location in our Mercedes Sprinter.
Duration: 15 mins

Inclusion

Expert Kiwi guide with live commentary (English)

Free WiFi, USB charging and bottled water ports onboard

Lunch and kiwi snacks

Hotel pickup and drop-off from 16 central Christchurch locations

Premium Mercedes Sprinter transport with air conditioning

Small-group tour for personalized attention

100% carbon-neutral tour—all emissions offset

TranzAlpine train ticket (Arthur's Pass to Christchurch summer/Christchurch to Arthur's Pass winter)

Exclusion

Jet boat experience at Alpine Jet Thrills (optional on the day)

Cancellation Policy

Check mark icon Refundable tickets

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

  • 100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
  • 0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Supplied by Cheeky Kea Tours

Reviews

4.5

★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 124 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

5 stars
82
4 stars
27
3 stars
8
2 stars
3
1 stars
4

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