Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill Full-Day Tour from Christchurch

5.0 (6 reviews) 10 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

6 reviews

5.0

Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill Full-Day Tour from Christchurch — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill Full-Day Tour from Christchurch, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Explore the Southern Alps’ thundering waterfalls, "Narnia" film sites, and majestic limestone rocks. Encounter cheeky Kea parrots and pristine mirror lakes on this ultimate alpine adventure.

Day Trips Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Audio Guides Adventure Tours Short term availability Weather Dependent - Moderate

At a glance

Duration: 10 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 20 people
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: NZSI Tours & Travel

Ages: Children (4–13 years) · Adults (14–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Guided tour (except for walks in the National Park)
Included: Pickup and drop-off from selected central Christchurch hotels
Included: Professional guide and commentary
Included: Bottled water and light snacks
Included: WiFi and in-van USB charging
Included: Coffee and award-winning pies for morning tea at the Famous Sheffield Pie Shop

Not included

Not included: Lunch: 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.

Itinerary

Christchurch

10 min

Begin your adventure by traveling along the Great Alpine Highway (SH73), a route famed for its ever-changing scenery—from the golden tussocks of the Canterbury Plains to the rugged, snow-capped peaks of the southern alps. No journey into the heart of the South Island is complete without a stop at the Famous Sheffield Pie Shop. A local icon for over 40 years, it’s the perfect place to fuel up with some of New Zealand’s best award-winning pies.
Arthur's Pass National Park

30 min

Once we reach Arthur's Pass National Park, 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

45 min

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

10 min Admission included

Our return journey to Christchurch 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.
Castle Hill

45 min

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

Passing by

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

Please come & wait across the road from Bus Interchange, outside FreshChoice Supermarket located at 71 Lichfield Street.

End point

Please come & wait across the road from Bus Interchange, outside FreshChoice Supermarket located at 71 Lichfield Street.

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 time for this tour will be confirmed a day prior to the travel date via email.

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.