TranzAlpine Train to Arthur's Pass from Christchurch with Lunch

5.0 (53 reviews) 10 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

53 reviews

5.0

TranzAlpine Train to Arthur's Pass from Christchurch with Lunch — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

TranzAlpine Train to Arthur's Pass from Christchurch with Lunch, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Journey through the breathtaking Southern Alps aboard the iconic TranzAlpine train, one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. Departing from Christchurch, travel through dramatic river gorges and alpine passes before disembarking in Arthur’s Pass where you’ll meet your guide and continue by modern Mercedes Sprinter.

Enjoy free time in Arthur’s Pass Village to explore, walk to the impressive Devils Punchbowl Waterfall, or relax with a coffee, before returning via scenic stops at the remarkable Otira Viaduct and the unique limestone formations of Castle Hill, renowned for their natural beauty and cinematic history.

Scenic 10-hour experience combining the TranzAlpine train and guided return journey
Free time in Arthur’s Pass Village for walking, exploring, or relaxing
Visit the iconic Otira Viaduct and Castle Hill’s unique limestone landscapes

Day Trips Nature and Wildlife Tours Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Rail Tours Ports of Call Tours Shore Excursions

At a glance

Duration: 10 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Cheeky Kiwi Travel

Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Children (4–14 years) · Adults (15–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Safety/booster seat for children aged 7 & younger (please advise if you prefer to provide your own)
Included: Lunch
Included: Summer (1 Oct – 30 Apr): Travel to Arthur’s Pass by bus and return on the TranzAlpine train
Included: Fully guided small group bus tour
Included: One hour at Arthur's Pass Village (walk or explore, your choice)
Included: Winter (1 May – 30 Sep): Travel to Arthur’s Pass on the TranzAlpine & return by bus

Not included

Not included: On-board restrooms: No restroom on bus

Itinerary

TranzAlpine Train

2 hours Admission included

** 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!
Stop 2

5 min Admission included

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.
Otira Viaduct Lookout

10 min Admission included

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.
Stop 4

one hour

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.
Castle Hill

one hour

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.
Christchurch

Passing by

Return to Christchurch with drop-off at your accommodation. Take in the city’s architecture, culture, and surrounding landscapes.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Hotel Give
Merivale Manor
The George Christchurch
Sudima Christchurch City
Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Urbanz
Fino Hotel & Suites
Christchurch City Hotel
Scenic Hotel Cotswold
Crowne Plaza Christchurch By IHG
Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square

and 3 more pickup points

*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.

Using your ticket

Please note: Departure times and the tour itinerary vary slightly depending on the season:

*Summer (1 Oct – 30 Apr): Travel to Arthur’s Pass by bus and return on the TranzAlpine train. Return 7:30pm

*Winter (1 May – 30 Sep): Travel to Arthur’s Pass on the TranzAlpine train and return by bus. Return 5:00pm

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
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

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

Options

Summer: Train to Christchurch

TranzAlpine Train: 1 Oct – 30 Apr: Travel to Arthur’s Pass by bus and return on the TranzAlpine train

Duration: 10 hours: Approximate arrival back in Christchurch: 7:30pm.

Lunch

Mercedes Benz Sprinter

Pickup included
Winter: Train to Arthurs Pass

TranzAlpine Train: 1 May – 30 Sep: Travel to Arthur’s Pass on the TranzAlpine train and return by bus

Duration: 10 hours: Approximate arrival back in Christchurch: 5:00pm.

Lunch

Mercedes Benz Sprinter

Pickup included