In the heart of the Southern Alps, Arthur's Pass National Park has an incredible diversity of flora and landscape. Experience a breathtaking journey aboard the TranzAlpine Train winding it's way through the magnificent Waimakariri Gorge. Join short guided walks to rainforests, rivers and mountain vistas and visit the incredible Castle Hill rocks. Traveling in a small group, maximum eight participants, allows for an intimate and informative experience.
Highlights
- Travel across the Canterbury Plains to the breathtaking Arthur's Pass National Park on this full-day tour from Christchurch
- Scenic TranzAlpine train journey
- Enjoy guided walks of Arthur's Pass National Park with many spectacular mountain vistas
- Delicious morning and afternoon tea
- Visit a country hotel for lunch
- Fully escorted and informative commentary
- Small-group tour with maximum eight passengers provides a more personalized experience with your guide
What You Can Expect
Arthur's Pass National Park with TranzAlpine Train Small Group Tour from Christchurch
At Christchurch, board the world famous TranzAlpine Train, sit back and relax on the train journey that will take you across the Canterbury Plains, wind its way through the stunning Waimakariri Gorge and through tussock covered high country before heading into the Southern Alps.
The TranzAlpine is rated one of the world's greatest train journeys and is 223 kilometers long and takes just four and a half hours. There are 16 tunnels, and 5 viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing at 73 meters.
You will be met at Arthur's Pass by your guide who will take you through the National Park where short walks can be made to experience forests, rivers and mountains vistas. You will follow the old stage coach route and travel down the spectacular Otira Gorge, testament to the road builders of the 1860's and the route taken by Maori in their quest for greenstone.
Departing Arthur's pass, you will travel through the high country and a stop can be made to view Cave Stream where it burrows underground in an area of limestone cliffs and gorges, craggy outcrops and a setting of surrounding mountains.
The incredible Castle Hill rocks, unique weatherworn and rain smoothed outcrops of limestone are seen from the highway and the more adventurous may wish to walk to the top of the rocks for magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.
The return journey to Christchurch will include a visit to the Waimak Gorge where the Waimakariri River enters the vast Canterbury Plains.
Customer Reviews
February 2013
What a great day! We had guide Sally all to ourselves and boy did she know her stuff! We saw and learned all sorts of details we would never have found on our own. Thank you for a great day out!
July 2011
The trip was superb. The tour in the van was better than the train.
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