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TranzAlpine Train: Scenic South Island Adventure
4.8
390 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
- On-board WiFi
- 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
- Bottled water and light snacks
- Pickup and drop-off from selected Central Christchurch Hotels
- On-board WiFi
- 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
- Bottled water and light snacks
- 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.
- Tour may operate in reverse order; where train will be booked from Arthur’s Pass to Christchurch, if morning tickets are sold out.
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
(390 Ratings)
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Ricki_p
Nov 5, 2025
Trans Alpine rail trip - I thoroughly enjoyed the day
Very friendly guide polite and very considerate
Scenery was spectacular
No complaints
Review provided by Viator
Christopher_y
Nov 4, 2025
Arthur's Pass - A really lovey day.
Pick up on time in a clean and comfortable people carrier/ mini van and returned us back to Christchurch at expected time.
The guide was excellent with really good knowledge and provided us with timely information.
Water and snacks were freely available
The itinerary was as stated with ample time for the planned walks.
The guide/driver was polite and respectful at all times and ensured everyone was comfortable.
Review provided by Viator
Natalia_c
Nov 2, 2025
Amazing trip, magnificent... - Amazing trip, magnificent views, must-to-do experience. The drive was very friendly and helpful. So much fun!
Review provided by Viator
H5064fusuec
Nov 2, 2025
What a beautiful country - Booked Transalpine train through NZSI tours for Sat 1st Nov. Not cheap and I sort of regretted only going to Arthur's Pass after seeing such amazing scenery. We got off there and boarded our 20 seater bus for guided bus travels around the area and back to Christchurch. However our driver/guide was amazing and we saw things we would never have known about. Waterfalls, viaducts, lime stone rocks at Castle Hill; movie set sights; explanations on stream water colours; which mountains have snow all year; why train needs extra engines and my favourite the Kea. And as a bird nerd he also stopped at Lake Pearson and we were lucky enough to see the endangered Southern Grebe. Life was complete. Great day out with the most amazing scenery from train and I think even better from the bus.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robert_s
Nov 1, 2025
Perfectly balanced day - Very nice day
Train ride was just the right length and the bus ride return along with stops was perfect
Scenery was best during bus stops
Enuj , our guide, was informative.
Great way to finish up our 21 day Aussie/NZ vacation
Review provided by Viator
Adrian_f
Oct 31, 2025
Beautiful day out in the southern alps - We had a pleasant tour . Our guide Anuj, was entertaining, patient & looked after us well. He was very knowledgeable & stopped us at many interesting spots to point things out to us & allow us time to take pictures. The transalpine train ride was great. The sights breathtaking.
Review provided by Viator
Janet_c
Oct 31, 2025
Tranz Alpine and bus trip. Christchurch retut - Great tour guide, plenty of water and snacks, stunning scenery and we had a great day. We would highly recommend this trip
Review provided by Viator
Onair558066
Oct 31, 2025
Good views in a comfortable, relaxed mode of transport. - This was a good way to see a part of the South Island. The train was comfortable and the views lovely. The highlight was being able to see the southern alps with their dusting of snow.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eoactivetraveler
Oct 24, 2025
TranzAlpine Train and Arthur's Pass Worth the Time - Excellent guide who provided history and context for each site we visited. Opportunities for short hikes (10 minutes) and one mid-length hike (45 minutes). Great views, a fun day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Senbibek
Oct 23, 2025
A scenic ride which every New Zealand enthusiast should do - A wonderful and scenic experience. I was mesmerised by the natural beauty and the variety of landscape. The train journey was equally thrilling and the tour operator specially Anuj was very good with their service
Review provided by Tripadvisor
