TranzAlpine Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass Small-Group Day Trip
The scenic TranzAlpine train travels from Christchurch to Greymouth. But if you don’t have the time, or the need, to travel so far, you can enjoy a shorter version of the journey. Boarding the train in Christchurch, travel to Arthur’s Pass, in the middle of the Southern Alps. Spend some free time there, then board a small-group guided tour for the return journey that stops at other top attractions.
Highlights
- ✓Enjoy a combination of free time and guided commentary
- ✓Receive personalized attention with a small group size
- ✓No need to pack a picnic as lunch is included
- ✓Return to Christchurch rather than continuing to the West Coast
What you'll see & do
- ✓** 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.
What's included
- ✓Booster seat
- ✓Lunch
- ✓Summer (1 Oct – 30 Apr): Travel to Arthur’s Pass by bus and return on the TranzAlpine train
- ✓Fully guided small group bus tour
- ✓One hour at Arthur's Pass Village (walk or explore, your choice)
- ✓Winter (1 May – 30 Sep): Travel to Arthur’s Pass on the TranzAlpine & return by bus
What's not included
- ✓No restroom on bus
Good to know
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
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
*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.
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.
TranzAlpine Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass Small-Group Day Trip
The scenic TranzAlpine train travels from Christchurch to Greymouth. But if you don’t have the time, or the need, to travel so far, you can enjoy a shorter version of the journey. Boarding the train in Christchurch, travel to Arthur’s Pass, in the middle of the Southern Alps. Spend some free time there, then board a small-group guided tour for the return journey that stops at other top attractions.
Highlights
- ✓Enjoy a combination of free time and guided commentary
- ✓Receive personalized attention with a small group size
- ✓No need to pack a picnic as lunch is included
- ✓Return to Christchurch rather than continuing to the West Coast
What you'll see & do
- ✓** 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.
What's included
- ✓Booster seat
- ✓Lunch
- ✓Summer (1 Oct – 30 Apr): Travel to Arthur’s Pass by bus and return on the TranzAlpine train
- ✓Fully guided small group bus tour
- ✓One hour at Arthur's Pass Village (walk or explore, your choice)
- ✓Winter (1 May – 30 Sep): Travel to Arthur’s Pass on the TranzAlpine & return by bus
What's not included
- ✓No restroom on bus
Good to know
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
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
*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.
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.