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

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• TranzAlpine Train (Pass 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.

  Admission ticket free
• 1
  Arthur's Pass National Park

  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.

  45 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 2
  Devils Punchbowl Walking Track

  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

  1 hour • Admission ticket included
• 3
  Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre

  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

  1 hour • Admission ticket included
• 4
  Lake Pearson

  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.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 5

  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.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 6

  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.

  45 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 7
  Christchurch

  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.

  1 hour 15 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• 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.

Tags

Rating