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A bridge over a river in a mountainous area. 1
A white van parked in a field of purple flowers with a mountainous background. 2
Two birds on a rocky surface. 3
A bird on the road near a vehicle with 'Cheeky Koa Tours' branding. 4
A snowy mountain landscape with a white vehicle parked on a rocky path. 5
By Cheeky Kea Tours

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
Free cancellation available
Price is €215 per adult
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 10h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Selective hotel pickup

Overview

  • Discover the breathtaking Southern Alps on this Arthur's Pass day tour from Christchurch. Travel in premium comfort through Canterbury's alpine region, then return on the world-famous TranzAlpine train—one of the world's most spectacular rail journeys.

    Your Kiwi guide shares Māori history and insights as you cross Canterbury's braided rivers. Stop at Waimakariri Gorge for riverside walks and an optional jet boat experience.

    Explore Castle Hill's limestone formations that inspired Middle Earth, visit alpine lakes including Lake Pearson and Lake Lyndon, and stop at Otira Viaduct Lookout. Lookout for the Kea—New Zealand's alpine parrot.

    At Arthur's Pass Village, hike the Devils Punchbowl Track to a 154-meter waterfall or explore village shops. Your highlight awaits—the return journey aboard the TranzAlpine train with open-air viewing carriages.

    Please note that this tour runs in reverse in winter.

Activity location

  • Waimakariri River
    • Canterbury Region, Canterbury Region, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Bus Interchange (Lichfield St)
    • 8011, Christchurch, Canterbury Region, New Zealand

Check availability

Christchurch to Arthur's Pass Tours + TranzAlpine Train & Lunch

  • Activity duration is 10 hours10h
    10h
  • English

Pickup included

Language options: English
Starting time: 07:00
Price details
€215.03 x 1 Adult€215.03
Total
Price is €215.03
Until Thu, 20 Aug

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's included
    Expert Kiwi guide with live commentary (English)
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Free WiFi, USB charging and bottled water ports onboard
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Lunch and kiwi snacks
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Hotel pickup and drop-off from 16 central Christchurch locations
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Premium Mercedes Sprinter transport with air conditioning
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Small-group tour for personalised attention
  • What's includedWhat's included
    100% carbon-neutral tour—all emissions offset
  • What's includedWhat's included
    TranzAlpine train ticket (Arthur's Pass to Christchurch summer/Christchurch to Arthur's Pass winter)
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Jet boat experience at Alpine Jet Thrills (optional on the day)

Know before you book

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transport options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.

Activity itinerary

Waimakariri River

  • 1h
As we make our way through the Selwyn District, you will be greeted by Springfield, where we will then make our turn off towards the team at Alpine Jet Thrills. Here there are walks, views of the Waimakariri river, and sheep cuddles to enjoy. Looking for more adventure? Add on a 30 minute thrilling jet boat experience on one of the region’s most famous rivers (extra booked and sold separately).

Lake Lyndon

  • 5m
Quick photo stop at Lake Lyndon (Te Hāpua Waikawa), nestled at the base of Porters Pass. Known as one of the region's colder alpine lakes, capture reflections of surrounding peaks.

Castle Hill

  • 1h
Explore Castle Hill (Kura Tāwhiti), one of Canterbury's most iconic locations. These ancient limestone formations inspired Middle Earth™ and nearby Flock Hill became a filming location for The Chronicles of Narnia. Wander amongst the majestic boulders at your own pace—this is a self-guided exploration

Lake Pearson

  • 5m
Stop at Ōpōrea (Lake Pearson), the largest of three mountain lakes on the pass. This picturesque glacial lake offers stunning mirror reflections and is historically significant as a mahinga kai site for Ngāi Tahu iwi.

Otira Viaduct Lookout

  • 15m
Witness the 440-meter Otira Viaduct spanning the Otira Gorge—a true feat of engineering. Keep your eyes peeled for cheeky Keas, New Zealand's only alpine parrot and one of the world's most intelligent birds.

Arthur's Pass National Park

  • 1h
Experience the majestic Southern Alps at 740 metres elevation. Choose your adventure: - Devils Punchbowl Walking Track: 1-hour return walk through native beech forest to a 131-meter waterfall - Village Exploration: Coffee, shops, and DOC visitor centre Your guide will advise on the best activity based on weather and timing.

Devils Punchbowl Walking Track

  • 1h
This walking track is approximately 1 hour long, with a gradual incline (including steps) towards a ferocious 131 metre tall waterfall. Fitness is low to moderate as you walk through the bush and native beech forest. Please note that depending on time, your guide will let you know how long you have and will assist you on the day in regard to the best activity for the weather and time allocated.

TranzAlpine: Scenic Train Christchurch - Greymouth

  • 3h
  • Admission ticket included
The highlight of your tour! Board the world-famous TranzAlpine for your return journey. Head to the open-air viewing carriage for spectacular views across braided rivers, past high-country sheep stations, and around dramatic horseshoe bends. Watch the landscape transition from rugged alpine terrain back through beech forests and onto the Canterbury Plains. Sit back, relax, and reflect on an incredible day. Note: the Train is scheduled to arrive Christchurch at 7:00 PM but delays are possible - if you have onward travel plans, we recommend allowing extra time to ensure you have ample time for any connection. TranzAlpine bookings are managed by Great Journeys New Zealand, who cannot be held responsible for any missed connections due to delayed train arrivals.

Christchurch

  • 15m
Your guide will be waiting at Christchurch Railway Station to transfer you back to your original pickup location in our Mercedes Sprinter.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Waimakariri River
    • Canterbury Region, Canterbury Region, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Bus Interchange (Lichfield St)
    • 8011, Christchurch, Canterbury Region, New Zealand

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