Christchurch to Arthur's Pass Day Tour TranzAlpine Train & Lunch

Christchurch to Arthur's Pass Day Tour TranzAlpine Train & Lunch

By Cheeky Kea Tours

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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.

Travel carbon-neutral in a premium Mercedes Sprinter and enjoy an included lunch and expert guiding with your small group. 100% Kiwi-owned.

Activity location

Waimakariri River
- Canterbury Region, Canterbury Region, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

Bus Interchange (Lichfield St)
- 8011, Christchurch, Canterbury Region, New Zealand

Check availability

Sorry this activity isn't available on Mon, Dec 22

Please choose a different date

What's included, what's not

Expert Kiwi guide with live commentary (English)
Free WiFi, USB charging and bottled water ports onboard
TranzAlpine train ticket (Arthur's Pass to Christchurch)
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
Jet boat experience at Alpine Jet Thrills (optional on the day)

Know before you book

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

Activity itinerary

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).

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

TranzAlpine: Scenic Train Christchurch - Greymouth

3h
Admission ticket included

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.

Christchurch

Your guide will be waiting at Christchurch Railway Station to transfer you back to your original pickup location in our Mercedes Sprinter.

Location

Activity location

Waimakariri River
- Canterbury Region, Canterbury Region, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

Bus Interchange (Lichfield St)
- 8011, Christchurch, Canterbury Region, New Zealand

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