The TranzAlpine train is often referred to as one of the world’s most scenic train journeys, and this tour will allow you to experience it. Enjoy the convenience of a day trip where all transport is taken care of— round-trip transfers in a luxury minivan, and a TranzAlpine train ticket are included. See Canterbury Plains, the Southern Alps, Lake Pearson, and get the chance to walk in Arthur’s Pass National Park.

See many of the South Island’s incredible natural landscapes in a day
TranzAlpine train journey from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass is included
No transport planning—hotel pickup and drop-off included
Enjoy time to go walking in the stunning Arthur’s Pass National Park

What's Included

TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass.
Pickup and drop-off from selected Central Christchurch Hotels.
Transport by air-conditioned late model Minibus.
National Park fees
Bottled water
Small group
Fully guided tour except the walks.

Lunch

Meeting And Pickup

You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup

Meeting point

Christchurch Bus Interchange
Corner of Lichfield St and, Colombo Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Your guide will pick you from outside FreshChoice Supermarket (located at 71 Lichfield Street) which is across the road from Bus Exchange.

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Start time

07:30 AM

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Pickup details

Pickup timing will be confirmed a day prior to travel date. Pickup/ drop-off is offered from selected Central Christchurch Hotels listed below: 1. Rydges Latimer Square 2 .Christchurch Bus Interchange 3. Heritage/ Distinction/ Novotel Central Christchurch/Hotel 115/Quest Cathedral Junction 4. Crowne Plaza 5. The Mayfair, 155 Victoria Street 6. Chateau on the Park

What To Expect

Christchurch Cathedral (Pass By)

Otira Viaduct Lookout

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Devils Punchbowl Walking Track

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Infant seats available
Most travelers can participate

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.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 21 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

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.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
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.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Wendy_B

This is a great trip with amazing views everywhere, made so much better when I didn't have to do any driving and could enjoy it. It rained alot the day of our trip but it was still great. Our driver was fabulous, made time for everyone, had umbrellas and ponchos for use. Would highly recommend this trip to anyone.

Reviews

5.0

110 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-10 of 110 reviews

Picturesque, do it!

Phillippa_S, Sept 2023

A great day - well organised and clearly explained to all. Loved the train and then the bus back. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly.

Amazing Southern Alps experience

Jennifer_D, Sept 2023

Amazing experience. The Southern Alps are so majestic. Taking the Transalpine train from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass and then being driven back by your informative guide allowed us to truly experience this stunning area. Thank you. Beautiful memories made!

Beautiful day in the Alps

Vickie_T, Aug 2023

We had stunning weather & scenery, the driver was polite, friendly and informative. The trip was the right mixture of resting in the van with commentary & then activity with the walks & stops. The train trip was lovely- nice food on board & comfortable seating. Definitely recommend the mix of the train one way & the van trip back.

recommend tour

Kazue_M, Aug 2023

I would like to take the tranzAlpine because many guide books recommend it. This one way course was enough and trekking was great view. Many birds Kea was very cute and I really enjoyed it! I strongly recommend this tour.

Fabulous Day trip

Tania_T, Aug 2023

This was a great day trip, our guide was absolutely awesome very professional, friendly full of information. Throughly enjoyed our day.

Wonderful day trip

Anna_S, Aug 2023

Highly recommend this day trip. Lots of interesting stop offs for sightseeing and photos, loved the train and beautiful scenery throughout the whole day. Our friendly and very informative guide really made the day. Mum and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Showing us all different...

Angela_S, Jul 2023

Showing us all different places and let us explore for a short time , we did enjoy it. The guide was lovely and looking after us.

Entry to the Southern Alps

Gayle_L, Jul 2023

Outdoor viewing platform was excellent the Southern Alps are amazing. Arthur’s pass is a quaint little town and worth a visit.

Perfect journey on winter time

Tirzah_L, Jul 2023

The scenery was beautiful. Really enjoy the trip with walking to the Devils Punchbowl Falls. The group was fun.

Wonderful TranzAlpine

Debra_G, Jul 2023

Highly recommend this trip. Our guide was great. He provided lots of commentary along the way. He also provided water and treats. Sites are amazing even on a cloudy day.

Must see Tranzalpine

Zachary_B, Jul 2023

What an amazing experience. Rocks, waterfalls, pushing my hiking abilities. Our guide was great, personable and made every effort to make sure we enjoyed ourselves. Great mix of Americans, and Aussies.

A very enjopyable day with plenty of new experiences and very informative

Jill_R, Jul 2023

The train journey and the stops on the way back. The guide was very informative and the we enjoyed the walks

Best day out

Matthew_M, Jul 2023

My 17yo daughter and I loved this day trip! The day trip was at a good pace. We particularly loved the waterfall, cave stream, and castle hill stops. Would highly recommend this day trip!

Excellent trip, a lot of...

Artur_M, Jun 2023

Excellent trip, a lot of scenic stops, very nice, friendly, and knowledgeable guide who made our trip very interesting and smooth. I really enjoyed the tour and highly recommend it.

Go in summer

Marilyn_M, Jun 2023

The driver was very nice & informative. I enjoyed this trip. Unfortunately the weather wasn't very good the day we went which meant we couldn't actually see the tops of the alps. I think in good weather it would be incredible

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Kia ora Marilyn_M, Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback. We are glad to know that you found our guide informative and had an enjoyable trip. Kind Regards, NZSI Team

A great day with beauty nature!

Hua_D, Jun 2023

The train ride was a great experience, we enjoyed the snow capped mountains, and the rivers and lakes and the natural beauty combined, coffee inside the train was great quality, our tour guide and driver Anuj was a dedicated and responsible person, at very stop he gave good advice and counted the numbers of passengers before driving off. Though I must say that the most fabulous experience was the walk in flock hill in the castle hill area, when Narnia was filmed, the great elephant shaped limestones surrounded by snowcapped mountains in the wilds looked so grand and like on another planet! Pity we didn’t bring a specialized camera and only took photos with our phones, we’ll definitely visit again with a good camera!

Beautiful scenery

Lavinia_W, May 2023

A wonderful tour on the train with amazing scenery all throughout the tour. Our tour guide/driver Anuj is excellent and very helpful. We enjoyed the tour very much.

Excellent experience despite some rain

YatMing_T, May 2023

Great tour despite some rain on the day. The scenic railway was stunning. The tour guide and driver was professional. Umbrellas are provided so we can still enjoy a short walk in the arthur's pass. The road trip via the Castle hill makes the trip perfect as the route was different from the train.

Response from Host, May 2023

Kia ora YatMing_T, We are happy to hear that you had an excellent experience on your recent trip to Arthur's Pass with us despite some rain. The weather in the mountain is quite unpredictable, so our guides always carry ponchos for everyone and some umbrellas too. Hope you enjoy the rest of your time here in New Zealand. Kind Regards, NZSI Tours

Nice trip. Highly recommend!

JONAS_K, May 2023

Informative, well-organized trip and a great tour guide. The weather was a bit rainy, a bit foggy but in New Zealand such weather has its own charm.

Response from Host, May 2023

Kia ora JONAS_K, Thank you for taking the time to write a review on TripAdvisor. We are glad to hear that you found our tour informative and well organised. Yes, you're right. The weather in New Zealand definitely plays an important role but is always charming. Thank you for recommending us. Kind Regards, NZSI Team

Wow - train was awesome, sights great, awesome guide, ...

Wayne_F, May 2023

The train ride was scenic. Glad they had an open air car as well. then the return trip (via minibus) was as exciting as we stopped off at a few places to eat, hike, etc. ALL GREAT !

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