TranzAlpine Train & Small Group Tour to Arthurs Pass with Lunch
Description
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
Tour Options
Itinerary
** Please note this runs in reverse from 1st October - 30th April ** 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!
Roll into Arthur's Pass National Park and swap the train for something more personal. Your Cheeky Kiwi guide meets you here with a modern Mercedes Sprinter and the local knowledge to match.
Also known as Deaths Corner and one look explains why. The Otira Viaduct stretches 440 metres across a dramatic alpine gorge, and without it, crossing Arthur's Pass by road simply wouldn't exist. It's an engineering feat set inside a national park, and the views in every direction are jaw-dropping. Keep your eyes peeled, the Kea, New Zealand's infamous alpine parrot, likes an audience.
Back into the village for your free hour. If you've got the legs for it, the walk to Devils Punchbowl waterfall is the pick, a low-to-moderate trail through native bush that ends at a 131-metre cascade crashing into the valley floor. Prefer to take it easy? The village café does a decent coffee and the local shops are worth a wander.
Scattered across an open hillside above State Highway 73, the limestone boulders of Castle Hill are one of New Zealand's most quietly spectacular places. Geologically ancient, cinematically famous, this location doubled as Narnia in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and featured in The Lord of the Rings. Walk among the formations, watch the climbers and boulderers doing their thing, and take the photos you didn't know you needed. Self-guided and entirely at your own pace.
Return to Christchurch with drop-off at your accommodation. Take in the city’s architecture, culture, and surrounding landscapes.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
*If no pickup is selected at time of booking, you will be allocated our default meeting point (Intercity Stop, Bus Interchange). You are welcome to update this at any time. If your location isn’t listed, please choose your nearest available option & meet us there. *To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside 5 minute prior to your specific pickup time. *Pick-up locations are carefully planned for each tour and may vary by day. If your pick-up location changes, kindly inform us in advance. *Our guides make multiple stops and may arrive within a 10-minute window. We are unable to wait for late guests.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
- Summer (1 Oct – 30 Apr): Travel to Arthur’s Pass by bus and return on the TranzAlpine train. Approximate arrival back in Christchurch: 7:30pm.
- Winter (1 May – 30 Sep): Travel to Arthur’s Pass on the TranzAlpine train and return by bus. Approximate arrival back in Christchurch: 5:00pm.
- Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress accordingly
Reviews(20)
Amazing views on Tranzalpine leading up to Arthur's Pass. Tour guide took us to multiple points of interest and was full of knowledge. We did the tour with our son who is severely autistic and he fully enjoyed the entire experience. We recommend doing the one that includes lunch, just makes the day easier.
This tour was quintessentially New Zealand to me. Lovely day, beautiful scenery, collegial travel companions, and a flexible tour guide with a lyrical, knowledgeable commentary on the area. And the Castle Hill rocks - just outstanding! A wonderful adventure.
Great train trip. Great personalised guide. Scenic hikes............................................
Thank you for the lovely review, Louise! We are so glad you enjoyed the TranzAlpine train journey and the scenic hikes at Arthur's Pass. It truly is one of New Zealand's most spectacular routes. Thank you for booking your TranzAlpine tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel and we hope to see you back exploring more of New Zealand soon!
We 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.
Thank you for this wonderful review, Luisa! Paul will be absolutely delighted to hear your kind words. He has such a great way of keeping the group entertained and informed throughout the day no matter the weather. We are glad the flexibility of the itinerary made for a great day despite the conditions at Arthur's Pass and the Springfield donuts are always a favourite! Thank you for choosing Cheeky Kiwi Travel and we would love to welcome you back on another tour very soon.
This 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.
The TranzAlpine never disappoints and Arthur's Pass is a stunning backdrop for a day out. So glad it was one of the highlights of your trip! Thanks for travelling with Cheeky Kiwi Travel.
We 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.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience, Jackie! We're sorry about the unexpected train breakdown — that was certainly out of our hands — but we're so glad the team made the most of it and that Castle Hill left a great impression. We'd be thrilled to welcome you back on your next Christchurch visit!
Amazing experience for sure! Definitely recommended to everyone.
Thank you for the glowing review! The TranzAlpine and Arthur's Pass is truly a spectacular experience and we are so glad you loved it. We hope to welcome you back for another incredible New Zealand adventure with Cheeky Kiwi Travel!
This was a great experience overall, I would strongly recommend it to anyone who loves walks, hiking and amazing views!
Thank you for the strong recommendation! Arthur's Pass is such a special part of New Zealand and we are thrilled the walks, scenery and overall experience all hit the mark. We would love to have you back on another Cheeky Kiwi adventure!
It 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.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We're delighted to hear that you found the tranzAlpine tour wonderful and that our guide made it so enjoyable. New Zealand's scenery truly is breathtaking, and it's our joy to share it with visitors. We hope to see you again!
This was an amazing and memorable trip, and my family and I had a truly wonderful time. Thank you so much.
What a beautiful message - thank you! We're so touched to hear that your family had such a wonderful and memorable time. Sharing those moments with loved ones in a place as magical as New Zealand is truly what it's all about. We hope to see you all again someday!
