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

4.9 (500 reviews) 10 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

500 reviews

4.9

TranzAlpine Train — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Castle Hill — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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 tracks in Arthur's Pass National Park with spectacular mountain views & pristine waterfalls. Capture mirror images at Lake Pearson & wander through the majestic limestone boulders at Castle Hill. A perfect day trip for nature lovers, hikers & adventure seekers.

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At a glance

Duration: 10 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 21 people
People per booking: 1–12
Guide: English
Operated by: NZSI Tours & Travel

Ages: Children (4–14 years) · Adults (15–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: On-board WiFi: WiFi on board
Included: National Park fees
Included: Transport by air-conditioned late model Minibus.
Included: Fully guided tour except the walks.
Included: Small group
Included: Bottle water and light snacks
Included: Pickup and drop-off from selected Central Christchurch Hotels.
Included: TranzAlpine Train Tickets from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass.

Not included

Not included: Lunch

Itinerary

TranzAlpine Train

Passing by

Once we’ve collected you from your chosen location around 7:00 am, we transfer you to the TranzAlpine for one of the world's most scenic rail journeys. Enjoy breathtaking alpine vistas from panoramic windows or the open-air carriage. Your guide will meet you at Arthur's Pass Station to begin your mountain tour.
Arthur's Pass National Park

45 min

While you enjoy the rail journey, your guide travels ahead to meet you right on the platform at Arthur’s Pass Station. From there, we’ll drive to the Otira Viaduct lookout for spectacular views—including the vibrant red Rata flowers during summer. Keep an eye out for the cheeky Kea, New Zealand’s inquisitive alpine parrot! Our mountain exploration continues with a visit to the stunning Avalanche Creek Waterfall and several other scenic highlights within the National Park.
Devils Punchbowl Walking Track

one hour Admission included

For the highlight of your afternoon, we highly recommend the Devils Punchbowl walking track. A leisurely 1-hour return walk leads you through lush beech forest to the base of a thundering 131-metre waterfall. The sheer power of the water and the mist on your face make this an unforgettable alpine experience
Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre

one hour Admission included

After your walk, enjoy some well-earned downtime in the charming Arthur’s Pass village. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy lunch at a local cafe, browse the historic visitor centre, or simply soak up the peaceful mountain atmosphere before we continue our journey
Lake Pearson

5 min Admission included

Our return journey to Christchurch takes a different route by road, offering scenery that the train tracks don't reach. Our first stop is the serene Lake Pearson. This high-country lake is famous for its glassy, mirror-like reflections of the surrounding mountains—a photographer’s dream and a perfect spot for a peaceful afternoon break.
Stop 6

10 min Admission included

Stop at Flock Hill: Discover the stunning 'Narnia' filming location. This site was featured in Disney's The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as the primary battlefield—a spectacular setting surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Craigieburn Valley.
Stop 7

45 min Admission included

Our final highlight: Experience the 'Treasure from Afar' at Kura Tāwhiti. To the Ngāi Tahu iwi, this area holds Tōpuni status—a symbolic cloak of protection over its sacred values. As you walk the easy access track, look for traces of 500-year-old charcoal drawings and learn how these rocks were formed 30 million years ago when New Zealand was still under a shallow inland sea.
Christchurch

1 h 15 min

Leaving the mountains behind, we travel across the vast Canterbury Plains. We make one final, delicious stop in the rural town of Springfield to see the famous giant doughnut—a must-photo landmark! From there, it’s a relaxing final leg back to the city, where we say our goodbyes and drop you off at your chosen location.

Meeting point and pickup

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

Meeting point

Your guide will pick you from outside FreshChoice Supermarket (located at 71 Lichfield Street) which is across the road from Bus Exchange.

End point

Your guide will pick you from outside FreshChoice Supermarket (located at 71 Lichfield Street) which is across the road from Bus Exchange.

Pickup points

Fino Hotel & Suites
Chateau on the Park - Christchurch, a DoubleTree by Hilton
Adina Heritage Christchurch
Crowne Plaza Christchurch By IHG
Hotel Montreal
The Mayfair Hotel Christchurch
Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Quest on Kilmore
Wyndham Garden Christchurch City Kilmore Street

Pickup timing will be confirmed a day prior to travel date. Pickup/ drop-off is offered from selected Central Christchurch Hotels listed below:

1. Christchurch Bus Interchange

2. Heritage Hotel/ Distinction Hotel

3. Crowne Plaza Hotel

4. The Mayfair, 155 Victoria Street

5. Chateau on the Park

6. Fino Hotel & Suites, 87 Kilmore Street, Christchurch, New Zealand

7. Quest on Kilmore, 93 Kilmore Street, Christchurch, New Zealand

8. Hotel Montreal, 363 Montreal Street, Christchurch, New Zealand

9. Wyndham Garden Christchurch City, 64 Kilmore Street, Christchurch, New Zealand

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
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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.
Maximise your scenery with our confirmed morning train tickets during winter months (May to September). By travelling earlier in the day, you enjoy full daylight for the entire journey—perfect for capturing the spectacular winter landscapes.
Please note this tour may operate in reverse during summer from October to April. If morning train tickets are sold out, you will travel from Arthur’s Pass to Christchurch in the afternoon. Since the sun sets late in summer, you will still enjoy the entire journey in full daylight with spectacular views.
We have designed our itinerary with a dedicated break at [Arthur's Pass National Park], giving you the freedom to explore the local cafes and choose a meal that suits your appetite.