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Offered languages
- English
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 (May–September) or Greymouth (October–April), 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
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
You will need to make your own way to Christchurch Railway Station. Please provide your name to Great Journeys check-in staff and they will check you in and provide you with your boarding pass. Check-in opens at 7:00am and closes at 7:55am. The Tranzalpine train departs at 8:15am sharp.
Hotel drop off can accommodated to some central hotels. These include Merivale Manor Scenic Hotel Sudima City Carnmore Hotel Crowne Plaza Novotel Cathedral Square Distinction Christchurch City Hotel Christchurch Bus Interchange Breakfree Rydges Latimer Urbanz Fino Hotel The George Hotel Give
Itinerary
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1TranzAlpine Train
Your day starts 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! May - September: disembark train in Arthur's Pass October - April: disembark train in Greymouth
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
2
During the winter months (May - September) disembark in Arthur's Pass, or in summer months (October - April) disembark in Greymouth. From there you will meet your guide, and board our modern Mercedes Sprinter for the return journey.
5 minutes • Admission ticket included -
3Otira Viaduct Lookout
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.
10 minutes • Admission ticket included -
4Arthur's Pass Village
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
5Castle Hill
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
Christchurch (Pass by)
Return to Christchurch with drop-off at your accommodation. Take in the city’s architecture, culture, and surrounding landscapes.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can hire seats ($20NZD per seat) or you can provide your own
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can hire seats ($20NZD per seat) or you can provide your own
- Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
- Tour duration includes travel time between locations
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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