Skip to content
Tripsora

Christchurch to Arthur's Pass Tours + TranzAlpine Train & Lunch

4.5(133)Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 133 reviews10 hFree cancellationBy Cheeky Kea Tours
Otira Viaduct—engineering marvel spanning the gorge

About this activity

Discover the breathtaking Southern Alps on this Arthur's Pass day tour from Christchurch. Travel in premium comfort through Canterbury's alpine region, then return on the world-famous TranzAlpine train—one of the world's most spectacular rail journeys.

Your Kiwi guide shares Māori history and insights as you cross Canterbury's braided rivers. Stop at Waimakariri Gorge for riverside walks and an optional jet boat experience.

Explore Castle Hill's limestone formations that inspired Middle Earth, visit alpine lakes including Lake Pearson and Lake Lyndon, and stop at Otira Viaduct Lookout. Lookout for the Kea—New Zealand's alpine parrot.

At Arthur's Pass Village, hike the Devils Punchbowl Track to a 154-meter waterfall or explore village shops. Your highlight awaits—the return journey aboard the TranzAlpine train with open-air viewing carriages.

Please note that this tour runs in reverse in winter.

What's included

  • ✓Expert Kiwi guide with live commentary (English)
  • ✓Free WiFi, USB charging and bottled water ports onboard
  • ✓Lunch and kiwi snacks
  • ✓Hotel pickup and drop-off from 16 central Christchurch locations
  • ✓Premium Mercedes Sprinter transport with air conditioning
  • ✓Small-group tour for personalized attention
  • ✓100% carbon-neutral tour—all emissions offset
  • ✓TranzAlpine train ticket (Arthur's Pass to Christchurch summer/Christchurch to Arthur's Pass winter)

Not included

  • ✕Jet boat experience at Alpine Jet Thrills (optional on the day)

Meeting and pickup

  • We only pick up from locations we have been notified of. Please make sure you let us know your pick up location will be the bus interchange. Please be waiting at the Intercity Bus Stop on Lichfield Street. It is recommended that you arrive 5 minutes prior to your pick up time.

Good to know

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

More things to do in Christchurch

Christchurch Hop-On Hop-Off Tram

Welcome aboard the Christchurch Tram! Travel on our newly extended track & enjoy this unique and historic way to view the inner city. Drivers provide a live and entertaining commentary. A full circuit takes 50 minutes, includes 18 stops and there are up to four Trams operating. Trams run approximately every 15 minutes (season dependent) and your ticket lasts all day as a hop on and off pass. Once…

4.6(987)Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 987 reviews24 hFree cancellation

From £17.93 per person

TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

Experience the South Island's remarkable natural landscapes by taking a journey on the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass, which is considered one of the world's greatest train journeys for the scenery through which it passes. Enjoy breathtaking views of Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps, ice-fed Waimakariri River, lush beech forests and stunning landscapes. Explore walking track…

4.9(501)Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 501 reviews10 hFree cancellation

From £162.25 per person

Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch

Travel in a group tour from Christchurch, on a day trip to Aoraki Mount Cook – the tallest mountain in New Zealand. Visit the picturesque Church of Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo and admire stunning alpine views from turquoise colored Lake Pukaki. Savor a scrumptious pack lunch at the Mt. Cook National Park and enjoy a scenic walk to see the Tasman Glacier. Visit the turquoise coloure…

4.8(395)Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 395 reviews13 hFree cancellation

From £117.42 per person