Tours, sightseeing tours, activities & things to do | Viator.comArthur's Pass National Park with TranzAlpine Train Small Group Tour from Christchurch
based on 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 nine participants, allows for an intimate and informative experience.
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.
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- 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
- Traveling in a small group, maximum 9 passengers allowing a unique and intimate experience
- Hotel pickup and drop off from centrally located Christchurch hotels
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TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass National Park and Otira Gorge
Daily
Departure Point:Tour departs from centrally located Christchurch hotels
Departure Time:- 7:30am
Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.
Duration: 9 - 9.5 hours Return details:Returns to original departure point at approximately 5.45pm
- Lunch at a country hotel
- Guided walks of Arthur's Pass National Park
- Hotel pickup and drop off from centrally located Christchurch hotels
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
- Travel by TranzAlpine train
- Light refreshments
- Local guide
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Cruise port pickup is not available
- Gratuities (optional)
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- A percentage of the tour price is used for the conservation of New Zealand's wildlife, environment and it's endangered species
Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.
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Since 1999, over 3 million travelers have experienced more with Viator!
A super day out. Fantastic part of the world. Tour guide was excellent. Read more ›
Michael H, United Kingdom, February 2008
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole tour from the TranzAlpine ride through the southern alps ... Read more ›
Anonymous, New Zealand, November 2008
