Arthur's Pass Discovery and TranzAlpine Train Small-Group Day Tour from Christchurch
by Canterbury Trails
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.NZ$1,790Overview
This nine-hour small-group tour begins with hotel pickup from centrally located Christchurch hotels. Participants are transferred to the train station to board the TranzAlpine train for a two-and-a-half-hour journey across the Canterbury Plains. The train follows the Waimakariri River and its braided riverbed before climbing into the Southern Alps. The route enters Arthur's Pass National Park, where passengers can see sub-alpine forests and mountain vistas. Upon arrival at Arthur's Pass, a local guide leads short walks through rainforest areas, along rivers, and to viewpoints within the park. After the walks, the group travels by luxury vehicle with air conditioning along the historic Otira Gorge, a road built in the 1860s and once used by the Maori for greenstone hunting. Along this drive, participants view Cave Stream, an area of limestone cliffs with underground waterways and gorges, as well as the distinctive Castle Hill limestone formations, known for their appearance in a notable film. Lunch is served at a country café and is included in the tour price. The day finishes with a return trip to Christchurch by luxury vehicle and hotel drop-off. The tour includes light refreshments, travel on the TranzAlpine train, guided walks in Arthur's Pass National Park, local guide services, in-vehicle air conditioning, and hotel pickup and drop-off. Group size is limited to eight people to allow for a detailed and personal discovery of the area.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
TranzAlpine Train
The train travels across the wide Canterbury Plains into high country surrounded by rugged mountain ranges. Leaving the plains, the landscape changes to sub-alpine as the train approaches the Southern Alps. Passengers view the Waimakariri River with its braided riverbed system. The train enters Arthur’s Pass National Park, where short guided walks take place to see forests, rivers, and mountain views.
150 min
Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre
Travel along the Otira Gorge, following the old stage coach route constructed in the 1860s and historically used by the Maori for greenstone hunting. View Cave Stream, where the river runs underground through limestone cliffs and gorges flanked by mountains. This area was a filming location for 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'. Pass the Castle Hill rocks, notable weatherworn limestone formations visible from the highway. Lunch is served at a country hotel, included in the tour.
240 min
Meeting point
Your guide will be holding a sign displaying name for tour booking at check in area.
End point
Your guide will be holding a sign displaying name for tour booking at check in area.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Additional info
Arthur's Pass Discovery and TranzAlpine Train Small-Group Day Tour from Christchurch
by Canterbury Trails
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.NZ$1,790Overview
This nine-hour small-group tour begins with hotel pickup from centrally located Christchurch hotels. Participants are transferred to the train station to board the TranzAlpine train for a two-and-a-half-hour journey across the Canterbury Plains. The train follows the Waimakariri River and its braided riverbed before climbing into the Southern Alps. The route enters Arthur's Pass National Park, where passengers can see sub-alpine forests and mountain vistas. Upon arrival at Arthur's Pass, a local guide leads short walks through rainforest areas, along rivers, and to viewpoints within the park. After the walks, the group travels by luxury vehicle with air conditioning along the historic Otira Gorge, a road built in the 1860s and once used by the Maori for greenstone hunting. Along this drive, participants view Cave Stream, an area of limestone cliffs with underground waterways and gorges, as well as the distinctive Castle Hill limestone formations, known for their appearance in a notable film. Lunch is served at a country café and is included in the tour price. The day finishes with a return trip to Christchurch by luxury vehicle and hotel drop-off. The tour includes light refreshments, travel on the TranzAlpine train, guided walks in Arthur's Pass National Park, local guide services, in-vehicle air conditioning, and hotel pickup and drop-off. Group size is limited to eight people to allow for a detailed and personal discovery of the area.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
TranzAlpine Train
The train travels across the wide Canterbury Plains into high country surrounded by rugged mountain ranges. Leaving the plains, the landscape changes to sub-alpine as the train approaches the Southern Alps. Passengers view the Waimakariri River with its braided riverbed system. The train enters Arthur’s Pass National Park, where short guided walks take place to see forests, rivers, and mountain views.
150 min
Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre
Travel along the Otira Gorge, following the old stage coach route constructed in the 1860s and historically used by the Maori for greenstone hunting. View Cave Stream, where the river runs underground through limestone cliffs and gorges flanked by mountains. This area was a filming location for 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'. Pass the Castle Hill rocks, notable weatherworn limestone formations visible from the highway. Lunch is served at a country hotel, included in the tour.
240 min
Meeting point
Your guide will be holding a sign displaying name for tour booking at check in area.
End point
Your guide will be holding a sign displaying name for tour booking at check in area.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.