Arthur’s Pass & TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch – Small Group Guided Return

Experience the best of New Zealand’s West Coast! Guests meet at Christchurch Train Station and board the iconic TranzAlpine train, crossing the majestic Southern Alps and disembarking at Arthur's Pass (in winter months) or Greymouth (in summer months). From there, meet your Cheeky Kiwi tour guide and board our modern Mercedes Sprinter to journey back to Christchurch, exploring waterfalls, alpine villages, and Castle Hill along the way. Travel in comfort, capture incredible photos, and create unforgettable memories.

• TranzAlpine Train journey across the Southern Alps

• Arthurs Pass Village & Devils Punch Bowl

• Castle Hill limestone formations

• Otira Gorge Lookout

1. Christchurch – TranzAlpine Train
Guests meet at Christchurch Train Station and depart west, crossing the Southern Alps with stunning alpine scenery, rivers, and gorges along the way.

2. Arthur's Pass / Greymouth – Meet Cheeky Kiwi Guide
During the winter months (May - September) disembark in Arthur's Pass, or in summer months (October - April) disembark in Greymouth. From there you will meet your guide, and board our modern Mercedes Sprinter for the return journey.

3. Otira Gorge Lookout (10 min)   – Also known as Deaths Corner! The Otira Viaduct Lookout is an amazing spot to see the national park in all its glory. This bridge is the only reason driving Arthurs Pass is possible! It’s huge at 440 Meters long and is a great spot for a photo of the bridge and the surrounding landscape. A little bonus too, you might see a wee Cheeky Kea! The sneaky Alpine Parrot of NZ. 

4. Arthurs Pass Village (1 hr) - see the Southern Alps up close and choose between a walk to the Devils Punch Bowl (approx. 1 hr, low–moderate fitness) or exploring the village for coffee and local goodies.

5. Castle Hill (1 hr)
Wander among weathered limestone boulders, known from Lord of the Rings and Narnia. This is a self-guided stop with photo opportunities and views of climbers and boulderers.

6. Christchurch – Tour Ends
Return to Christchurch with drop-off at selected central locations. Take in the city’s architecture, culture, and surrounding landscapes.

• TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass (winter months) or Greymouth (summer months)

• Small group experience on Cheeky Kiwi return tour

• Fully guided tour

• Bottled water & snacks

  
  

• Lunch

• Personal expenses

Important Information:

• Hotel pickup is NOT included in this tour.  You will need to make your own way to Christchurch Railway Station (located on Troup Drive, Addington) to check in for your Tranzalpine train journey. Please provide your name to Great Journeys check-in staff and they will check you in and provide you with your boarding pass. Check-in opens at 7:00am and closes at 7:55am. The Tranzalpine train departs at 8:15am sharp.
  
  
• The total duration of the tour will differ depending on the time of year you are travelling. In the summer months (1st October - 30th April) you will disembark the train in Greymouth, returning to Christchurch at approximately 8:00pm. In the winter months (1st May - 30th September) you will disembark the train in Arthur's Pass, returning to Christchurch at approximately 5:30pm.

Still have questions? Please visit our FAQs page