TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip from Christchurch
by NZSI Tours Travel
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$798Overview
Travel from Christchurch on the TranzAlpine train to Arthur's Pass National Park, a route known for its scenic views of the Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps, Waimakariri River, and beech forests. The train journey includes panoramic windows and open-air viewing decks to see the landscape clearly. After arriving at Arthur's Pass, the guide will meet the group to continue by minibus. The tour visits the Otira Viaduct, where passengers can see red flowering rata in summer and may spot the local Kea parrot. There is a guided suggestion of popular walking trails in the National Park with mountain views and waterfalls. After about an hour of walking, guests have an hour free for lunch at a café and to explore the village independently (lunch is not included). On the return trip, the minibus makes stops at Lake Pearson, where visitors can photograph reflections on the water, and at Castle Hill Conservation Area to walk among large limestone boulders. The final stop is at Lake Lyndon, known for freezing in winter months. The tour lasts about 10 hours and includes hotel pickup and drop-off in central Christchurch, bottled water, light snacks, national park fees, and onboard WiFi. The entire trip is fully guided except for the walks in the National Park and Castle Hill.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch
After pick-up from the hotel at 7.30am, the guide takes guests to Christchurch train station. Passengers board the TranzAlpine train and travel through views of Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps, Waimakariri River, and beech forests seen through panoramic windows and open-air viewing decks. The train stops at Arthur's Pass National Park where the guide meets the group again.
Otira Viaduct
The tour drives to Otira Viaduct, offering views of red flowering rata during summer. Visitors may see the local Kea parrot, known for its curious and playful behavior. This stop lasts about 30 minutes.
30 min
Walking in Arthur's Pass National Park
Guests receive recommendations for popular walking routes in the park featuring mountain views and waterfalls. The guided portion ends here and walking lasts about one hour.
60 min
Lunch and Arthur's Pass Village
Participants have one hour free to have lunch at a local café and explore Arthur's Pass village independently. Lunch is not included in the price.
60 min
Return Journey with Scenic Stops
The return trip is by minibus with several stops. Visitors take a coffee break and photograph reflections at Lake Pearson. They then walk among large limestone boulders at Castle Hill Conservation Area. The final stop is Lake Lyndon, which freezes during winter months. Afterwards, the group returns to Christchurch for drop-off at their hotels.
45 min
Meeting point
Your guide will pick you from outside FreshChoice Supermarket (located at 71 Lichfield Street) which is across the road from Bus Exchange.
End point
Your guide will pick you from outside FreshChoice Supermarket (located at 71 Lichfield Street) which is across the road from Bus Exchange.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip from Christchurch
by NZSI Tours Travel
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$798Overview
Travel from Christchurch on the TranzAlpine train to Arthur's Pass National Park, a route known for its scenic views of the Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps, Waimakariri River, and beech forests. The train journey includes panoramic windows and open-air viewing decks to see the landscape clearly. After arriving at Arthur's Pass, the guide will meet the group to continue by minibus. The tour visits the Otira Viaduct, where passengers can see red flowering rata in summer and may spot the local Kea parrot. There is a guided suggestion of popular walking trails in the National Park with mountain views and waterfalls. After about an hour of walking, guests have an hour free for lunch at a café and to explore the village independently (lunch is not included). On the return trip, the minibus makes stops at Lake Pearson, where visitors can photograph reflections on the water, and at Castle Hill Conservation Area to walk among large limestone boulders. The final stop is at Lake Lyndon, known for freezing in winter months. The tour lasts about 10 hours and includes hotel pickup and drop-off in central Christchurch, bottled water, light snacks, national park fees, and onboard WiFi. The entire trip is fully guided except for the walks in the National Park and Castle Hill.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch
After pick-up from the hotel at 7.30am, the guide takes guests to Christchurch train station. Passengers board the TranzAlpine train and travel through views of Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps, Waimakariri River, and beech forests seen through panoramic windows and open-air viewing decks. The train stops at Arthur's Pass National Park where the guide meets the group again.
Otira Viaduct
The tour drives to Otira Viaduct, offering views of red flowering rata during summer. Visitors may see the local Kea parrot, known for its curious and playful behavior. This stop lasts about 30 minutes.
30 min
Walking in Arthur's Pass National Park
Guests receive recommendations for popular walking routes in the park featuring mountain views and waterfalls. The guided portion ends here and walking lasts about one hour.
60 min
Lunch and Arthur's Pass Village
Participants have one hour free to have lunch at a local café and explore Arthur's Pass village independently. Lunch is not included in the price.
60 min
Return Journey with Scenic Stops
The return trip is by minibus with several stops. Visitors take a coffee break and photograph reflections at Lake Pearson. They then walk among large limestone boulders at Castle Hill Conservation Area. The final stop is Lake Lyndon, which freezes during winter months. Afterwards, the group returns to Christchurch for drop-off at their hotels.
45 min
Meeting point
Your guide will pick you from outside FreshChoice Supermarket (located at 71 Lichfield Street) which is across the road from Bus Exchange.
End point
Your guide will pick you from outside FreshChoice Supermarket (located at 71 Lichfield Street) which is across the road from Bus Exchange.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.