Arthur's Pass Discovery and TranzAlpine Train - Small Group Tour

4.8 (310 reviews) 9 hours

out of 5

310 reviews

4.8

Arthur's Pass Discovery and TranzAlpine Train - Small Group Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Arthur's Pass Discovery and TranzAlpine Train - Small Group Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

In the heart of the Southern Alps, Arthur's Pass National Park has an incredible diversity of flora and landscape. Experience a breathtaking journey aboard the TranzAlpine Train winding it's way through the magnificent Waimakariri Gorge. Join short guided walks to rainforests, rivers and mountain vistas. Traveling in a small group, maximum eight participants, allows for an intimate and informative experience. Return to Christchurch in one of our luxury vehicles.

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At a glance

Duration: 9 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 8 people
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: English
Operated by: Canterbury Trails

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Light refreshments
Included: Travel by TranzAlpine train
Included: Local guide
Included: Guided walks of Arthur's Pass National Park
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off from centrally located Christchurch hotels
Included: Lunch at a country cafe

Not included

Not included: Cruise port pickup is not available
Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

TranzAlpine Train

2 h 30 min Admission included

Journey across the wide expanses of the Canterbury Plains into high country surrounded by rugged mountain ranges. After leaving the Canterbury Plains, the landscape dramatically changes into sub-alpine we head towards the spectacular Southern Alps. View the Waimakariri River and its unique braided riverbed system. Enter Arthur’s Pass National Park where short walks can be made to experience forests, rivers and mountains vistas.
Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre

4 hours Admission included

Follow the old stage coach route and travel down the spectacular Otira Gorge, testament to the road builders of the 1860's and the route taken by the Maori in their quest for greenstone.

View Cave Stream where it burrows underground in an area of limestone cliffs and gorges, craggy outcrops and a setting of mountains to the east and west. This area was also used as for the filming of C.J Lewis’ story – “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”. The incredible Castle Hill rocks, unique weatherworn, rain smoothed outcrops of limestone are seen from the highway. Lunch at a country hotel, included in cost of tour.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

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.

Pickup points

Hagley Park Motel
2 On Whiteleigh & 239 On Lincoln Motel
Ashleigh Court Motel
Quest Cathedral Junction
Merivale Manor
Ferry Motel
Alglenn Motel
The George Christchurch
Sudima Christchurch City
Rydges Latimer Christchurch
City Centre Motel
The Riccarton Hotel

and 74 more pickup points

We will pick from any Hotel, B&B, Home-stay within central Christchurch

Using your ticket

You MUST leave a message with your contact details when you call to reconfirm

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

If you cancel	You get back
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
A percentage of the tour price is used for the conservation of New Zealand's wildlife, environment and it's endangered species
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
We will pick you up from your hotel and then drop you at the train station for the trip to Arthurs Pass on the TranzAlpine. Our guide will then meet you at Arthurs Pass, take you for lunch and a short walk before driving you back to Christchurch in a luxury vehicle.