Arthur's Pass National Park Day Tour with TranzAlpine Train
Description
Experience one of New Zealand’s most iconic alpine journeys combining scenic rail travel with a guided exploration of Arthur’s Pass National Park. Travel from Christchurch through ever-changing landscapes, from wide open plains to rugged mountain peaks, and discover dramatic natural scenery shaped by glaciers, rivers, and time.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Following a morning pickup by air-conditioned coach from your Christchurch hotel, transfer to the Christchurch Railway Station where you will board the TranzAlpine train. This has been rated as one of the top 10 train journeys in the world.
We invite you to join us on a tour of discovery, featuring spectacular scenery. From Christchurch board the world famous TranzAlpine train through to Arthurs Pass
before viewing and driving down the 440 meter long Otira Viaduct a major NZ engineering project - the viaduct is one the most earthquake prone regions in New Zealand and it has been designed to withstand seismic forces 40 percent higher than the usual maximum for such structures. In the late summer months the bright flowers of red rata (metrosideros umbellata) add to the beauty of the Otira Gorge. This tree is not found on the eastern side of the Southern Alps but blooms only in the moist western valleys, you will also encounter the NZ Kea rated as one of the most intelligent birds in the world they have very inquisitive natures and found in most South Island alpine environments. The one hour time period is the time spent in total travelling to, from and on the the Viaduct from Arthurs Pass with stops
Your Driver/guide will then recommend you some popular walks in the National Park with incredible views, weather & time permitting. The time spent here is approximately the entire amount of time spent In the Arthurs Pass Village during the day, possibly longer if the lunch option is taken in the village.
Time for lunch at a local cafe & explore the village of Arthur's Pass. On leaving Arthur’s Pass you will travel by road through the foothill ranges of the Southern Alps, in the basins with winter snow there are several small ski fields and with unique limestone rocks surrounding the area this is also popular for rock climbers.
Make a visit at a working sheep farm set among a beautiful alpine and high country backdrop. Here you will be able to see sheepdogs at work, watch a sheep shearing demonstration and enjoy a late afternoon tea.
Return to Christchurch
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We pickup from most Hotels, Motels & Backpackers in Christchurch City Center Some Air BnBs if central city
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Tour may operate in reverse - so Tranzalpine train from Arthur's Pass to Christchurch
Reviews(229)
I recommend going Scenic Plus. Just superb. Nz has awesome views from this train. Just don't know how much beauty you can see in one day. Our hostess was marvellous.
Thank you for your review and your feedback. Scenic Plus is definitely a step up and provides for a superior experience. I agree - it is a stunning journey.
This is a musty experience. The beauty was endless. Great tour guide and a beautiful stop at the devil's Punchbowl.
Amazing comments - we love this trip also!
Train trip was fantastic with snow on the alps which was a bonus as apparently it doesn't usually snow in April. Stephanie our driver for the trip back was very knowledgeable and gave us plenty of time to see the sights when we stopped to stretch our legs and short walks. Arthurs Pass and Castle Hill stops with lunch at Grasmere (very yummy) and the view to the snow- capped mountains was spectacular. Toby Farm very interesting and the hosts were lovely. Plenty of opportunity for photos along the way. A long day but worth it. A must do trip.
Along day but a fun day - great review. Received with thanks.
Riding the train to Arthur's Pass was so comfortable, and enabled us to enjoy lovely scenery along the way. We then hiked to the Devil's Punchbowl in the pouring rain, but it was the quintessential New Zealand experience.
I could not agree with you more when you quintessential NZ. We always hope for perfect weather but sometimes the weather has other ideas. And yet when the rain comes down so you enjoy a completely different experience. Green, lush and fresh. Excellent review - thank you.
The 2 1/2 hr train trip was lovely. Saw views that otherwise wouldn’t have seen. The stops on the return were just ok but had a great guide that did explain everything that we saw.
Thank you for your review and comments. Its an ideal scenario as you see different views from both rail and road and to mix up the tour so you see and sense the best of everything!
The tranzalpine ride was worth it and saw some wonderful scenery. Unfortunately due to heavy rain we could not do the devils punchbowl walk. The lunch was good. Castle hill was a photogenic place. The couple who run Toby hill farm were very friendly and warm people and we got good insight regarding sheep farming. Alexander the guide was very nice and accommodated everything despite the weather. Would absolutely recommend this tour.
Great review and comments. Sorry about the Devils Punchbowl - the only thing really outside of our control is the weather! Sounds like you had a brilliant day otherwise.
A big shout out to Paul who was our tour guide up to Arthurs Pass. The pick up was easy and on time. Paul was very knowledgeable and provided great commentary teh whole day. He made the difference between a tour and a very memorable experience. Thanks Paul!
Awesome day, awesome guide and awesome review.
This trip had a bit of everything! We enjoyed every bit of it! Our guide Andrew was knowledgeable, entertaining, and friendly. The scenery was breathtaking.
Great review thank you, and thank you for highlighting Andrew. Such a special day!
What a fabulous day out. The train ride was great to Arthurs Pass and had a great walk around the area and then the lunch stop at Grassmere was absolutely stunning. Thoroughly enjoyed the sheep shearing demonstration with Trevor & Heather - what great people. Our driver/guide Pete was sensational. Full of local knowledge and a real joy - he is fantastic. It was a briliant day out you won't regret. Stunning scenery, great food and fabulous people - what more could you aks for.
I could not have put it better myself. Thank you for your comments.
We had a great day travelling on the TransAlpine train from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass where we were met by Graham and the adventure continued! He provided us with a tour of the area and lots of history/interesting facts and provided stops for pictures. We were treated to a wonderful lunch before heading off to explore the Kira Tawhiti Conservation Area and the amazing boulders. Finally we had the most amazing visit to a working sheep farm where our fabulous hosts gave a demonstration of sheep herding, sheep shearing and provided us with a wonderful tea!
Thank you for your comments and review - so pleased you had an excellent day with Graham.
