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(40)
Fantastic tour and the guide was great
Very pleasant train ride , our guide / driver very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly throughout the journey.
A great day out with perfect weather. Met group at Christchurch rail station, trained to Arthur's Pass, met guide Logan with the bus for return to Christchurch. Scenery is stunning from the train and the bus. Loved the road trip down the Pass, the walks at Devil's Punchbowl and Castle hill, the photo stops, the lunch at Arthur's Cafe. Logan is a knowledgeable guide with trip commentary intertwined with personal anecdotes. He is a considerate and capable driver, we even stopped at Springfield for a 'Simpsons donut'. For us a seamless and scenic day. The only negative was during online booking , there was no option to meet at Railway Station, only hotel pickups. So a flurry of emails with an anxious Viator about meet up points. So eight happy passengers at the end of the day. Rod & Mary
Amazing experience and our guide Rosie was the perfect guide. The train ride was full of stunning views, and all the site visited gave me a great understanding of NZ.
This was an awesome experience!
Jay took care of our trip. He is a very knowledgeable and caring guide. He even surprised our son with a special stop. I won’t tell so that I don’t ruin it for future guests. You will have to join to find out!
Unfortunately our Train ride was cancelled due to weather and therefore travelled on a bus to Arthur’s Pass where we met up with our tour guide Logan. Logan was a fantastic host, very personable and friendly. The weather was incredible and we got to take some amazing photos. Overall a fantastic experience.
Amazing tour! Everything was well organized, the guide was very friendly and attentive, and everything went exactly as promised. Highly recommended!
Our day out to Arthur's Pass was just lovely. Logan was a gracious and friendly host, telling us lots of stories and sharing his experiences with us. Pick up went smoothly and the whole day was well-planned and felt easy and comfortable. 10/10 recommend.
Great views, lovely walks, lovely lunch. Our guide Rosie was terrific. Very informative and very helpful.
