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TranzAlpine Train: Scenic South Island Adventure
4.8
343 Ratings
Christchurch
Embark on a breathtaking journey from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass on the TranzAlpine train. Experience stunning landscapes, lush forests, and majestic mountains on this perfect day trip for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Embark on a breathtaking journey from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass on the TranzAlpine train. Experience stunning landscapes, lush forests, and majestic mountains on this perfect day trip for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Duration:
10 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Christchurch Cathedral - After pick-up from your hotel at 7.30am, your guide will drop you to the train station in Christchurch for one of the greatest train journey’s in the world. Travel on the TranzAlpine train & admire the stunning scenery through panoramic windows & open air viewing decks. Disembark the train at Arthur’s Pass National Park…
- Christchurch Cathedral - After pick-up from your hotel at 7.30am, your guide will drop you to the train station in Christchurch for one of the greatest train journey’s in the world. Travel on the TranzAlpine train & admire the stunning scenery through panoramic windows & open air viewing decks. Disembark the train at Arthur’s Pass National Park where you will meet your guide again.
- Otira Viaduct Lookout - Then drive down to Otira Viaduct which provide impressive views of red flowering rata in summer months & grab the opportunity to spot the inquisitive Kea (alpine parrot) well known for its cheeky nature.
- Devils Punchbowl Walking Track - Your guide will then recommend you some popular walks in the National Park with incredible views.
- Arthur’s Pass National Park Visitor Centre - After your walk enjoy 1 hours free time for lunch at a local cafe & explore the village of Arthur’s Pass.
- Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area - On your return journey, travel by road in a luxurious minivan with a few scenic stops on the way. Take a coffee break & capture stunning mirror images at Lake Person. Then wander through majestic presence of limestone rock formations at Castle Hill Conservation Area. Stretch your legs one last time at Lake Lyndon that regularly freezes in winter months. Return back & drop-off to your location in Christchurch.
What's Included
- Bottled water
- National Park fees
- Transport by air-conditioned late model Minibus
- Fully guided tour except the walks
- TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass
- Small group
- Pickup and drop-off from selected Central Christchurch Hotels
- Bottled water
- National Park fees
- Transport by air-conditioned late model Minibus
- Fully guided tour except the walks
- TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass
- Small group
- Pickup and drop-off from selected Central Christchurch Hotels
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Lunch
Additional Information
Embark on a scenic expedition on the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass, renowned as one of the most picturesque train journeys globally. Soak in the captivating sights of the Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps, the glacier-fed Waimakariri River, verdant beech woodlands and awe-inspiring panoramas. Traverse hiking trails in Arthur’s Pass…
Embark on a scenic expedition on the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass, renowned as one of the most picturesque train journeys globally. Soak in the captivating sights of the Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps, the glacier-fed Waimakariri River, verdant beech woodlands and awe-inspiring panoramas. Traverse hiking trails in Arthur’s Pass National Park featuring impressive mountain vistas & untouched waterfalls. Reflect on nature’s beauty at Lake Pearson & meander among the grand limestone formations at Castle Hill. An ideal day excursion for those passionate about nature, hiking & thrilling adventures.
- A small amount of walking is involved.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- Fully guided tour except the walks in the National Park & Castle Hill.
- Bring your phone, USB charger & headphones to enjoy the audio commentary on the TranzAlpine Train.
Location
Christchurch Bus Interchange
Colombo Street
Your guide will pick you from outside FreshChoice Supermarket (located at 71 Lichfield Street) which is across the road from Bus Exchange.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(343 Ratings)
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Zareen_h
May 23, 2025
Must-Do Day Trip! Unbelievable! - The entire journey from start to finish was awesome. Our guide Anuj was Top-notch and was very informative while also giving us more than enough time in each spot to look around and take photos. As for the spots we were taken to, it was UNBELIEVABLE. No matter what season, you must take this day trip!
Review provided by Viator
Waipik_m
May 15, 2025
The guide was very... - The guide was very professional, gave us clear information and instructions during the trip, and was quite funny. The view of this trip is gorgeous.
Review provided by Viator
Gilles_g
May 1, 2025
Excellent day of relaxing... - Excellent day of relaxing on the train, then hiking on trails. Scenery was well worth it even on a rainy day. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Viator
Prenita
Apr 30, 2025
A must do when in Christchurch - Our driver was excellent he was very informative and fair to everyone.
He did not rush anyone . Had made ample time for stops and to take pictures.
There was lots scenic stops to take pictures . He was very timely the whole day was a good pace and did not feel long at all .
He provided us with water and snacks throughout.
Thank you for making the trip a memorable one .
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Melisa_b
Apr 30, 2025
Awesome tour - Great way to get the most out of your trip to Arthur’s Pass by train one way and a mini bus on the way back stopping at all the different tourist sites. Punch bowl was worth the walk. Many other sites to stop and take photos. Great driver and terrific guide.
Review provided by Viator
Lucy_n
Apr 29, 2025
Enjoy the Transalpine... - Enjoy the Transalpine Train ride and the scenery! The tour with Anuj was even better, he is very knowledgeable, we learn a lot from him. The two hikes were also great! My husband left his hat on the bus, they delivered it back to us the next day, appreciate it very much!
Review provided by Viator
Chirag_b
Apr 28, 2025
Absolutely wonderful day and experience!!!! - This was easily one of the best things we did while in our vacation for New Zealand from Christ Church. Anuj our driver was absolutely fantastic in giving us so much information and being very helpful and courteous and looking after the entire group throughout the whole day
The train ride up was fantastic I mean the views that you get during this train ride were amazing. I would also encourage people to go to the open car that you can see unobstructed views of the landscape.
The food car was also awesome cuz it allowed you to get caught and cold beverages and hot and cold sandwiches so that was also a nice touch
The afternoon hiking from Arthur's Pass to Castle Hill rocks to the largest waterfall and everything was absolutely an amazing experience The pictures and the vistas and just amazing
NOTE: one word of caution to everyone when you get to the Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall Your driver may say that it is medium to moderate effort. I want to warn people that if you are not in good healthy aerobic condition that the number of steps that you will have to climb over the entire length of the trail is incredibly demanding and taxing I don't care who you are. Is it worth it at the end absolutely The payoff and the waterfall is phenomenal but do not underestimate the amount of exertion effort on these stairs 🙂
Review provided by Viator
Shane_b
Apr 27, 2025
Loved the TranzAlpine tour! - Train was great, although a little grubby. Bus driver was fantastic, knowledgeable and nothing was too much trouble.
Review provided by Viator
Connector24733416561
Apr 18, 2025
Great trip. - A perfectly organized trip with a perfect and kind guide and driver in one person. I recommend it if you don't want to bother with driving and just enjoy the views.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Matt
Apr 11, 2025
Beautiful views and walks - Great trip with lovely scenic views. Train journey was comfortable and the walks were beautiful, with a knowledgable guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
