TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip | La Vacanza Travel

TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

Duration: 10 hours
Destination: New Zealand, Canterbury, Christchurch
from
299.47

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  • 10 hours
  • Christchurch
  • E-Voucher
  • Lowest Price
  • Not-Cancellable

Overview

Experience the South Island's remarkable natural landscapes by taking a journey on the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass, which is considered one of the world's greatest train journeys for the scenery through which it passes. Enjoy breathtaking views of Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps, ice-fed Waimakariri River, lush beech forests and stunning landscapes. Explore walking tracks in Arthur's Pass National Park with spectacular mountain views & pristine waterfalls. Capture mirror images at Lake Pearson & wander through the majestic limestone boulders at Castle Hill. A perfect day trip for nature lovers, hikers & adventure seekers.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Pass By: Christchurch Cathedral, Cathedral Square, Christchurch New Zealand

After pick-up from your hotel at 7.30am, your guide will drop you to the train station in Christchurch for one of the greatest train journey's in the world. Travel on the TranzAlpine train & admire the stunning scenery through panoramic windows & open air viewing decks. Disembark the train at Arthur's Pass National Park where you will meet your guide again.

Stop At: Otira Viaduct Lookout, Arthur's Pass Road, SH73, Arthur's Pass National Park New Zealand

Then drive down to Otira Viaduct which provide impressive views of red flowering rata in summer months & grab the opportunity to spot the inquisitive Kea (alpine parrot) well known for its cheeky nature.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Devils Punchbowl Walking Track, Punchbowl Road, off State Highway 73, Arthur's Pass National Park New Zealand

Your guide will then recommend you some popular walks in the National Park with incredible views.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre, State Highway 73, Arthur's Pass National Park 7654 New Zealand

After your walk enjoy 1 hours free time for lunch at a local cafe & explore the village of Arthur's Pass.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area, Castle Hill, Castle Hill 7580 New Zealand

On your return journey, travel by road in a luxurious minivan with a few scenic stops on the way. Take a coffee break & capture stunning mirror images at Lake Person. Then wander through majestic presence of limestone rock formations at Castle Hill Conservation Area. Stretch your legs one last time at Lake Lyndon that regularly freezes in winter months. Return back & drop-off to your location in Christchurch.

Duration: 45 minutes

Inclusions
  • 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.
  • Entry/Admission - Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area
  • Entry/Admission - Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre
  • Entry/Admission - Devils Punchbowl Walking Track

Exclusions
  • Lunch
  • 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 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
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 21 travelers
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Departure Point

Christchurch Bus Interchange, Corner of Lichfield St and, Colombo Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Traveler pickup is offered
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


Return Details

Returns to original departure point

Voucher info

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

Duration

10 hours


User's Reviews

Donna_H

28 Mar, 2024

The half day train combined with hikes at Devils Punchbowl and visit to Castle Hill was wonderful! The guide gave us some suggestions for lunch and steered us to check out the chapel which was an added gem. Devils Punchbowl was one of my rehab goals after 2nd knee replacement because of all the stairs but I was able to manage and so glad I did. What a beautiful waterfall!

JoeO104

26 Mar, 2024

Very comfortable train ride. Excellent tour guide provided interesting commentary, plus bottled water and snacks. Beautiful views and unguided walks. Only complaint was that the tour bus seats were way too cramped. Need a bigger bus for all the time you spend in it.

Michele_W

25 Mar, 2024

The whole day was great. The train trip was brilliant. Great scenery and commentary along the way. The coach ride back was equally as good with the right amount of stops, a couple of walks and great commentary from our driver/tour guide (Ajui?) Hope I got his name right. What an asset he is to the company! Overall, I great day out.

Nicole S

24 Mar, 2024

Beautiful train ride that thoroughly showcased the beauty of the South Island. The tour took us to a multitude of stops, and provided a fun day of scenic look outs and small hikes. The tour guide was very thorough, and shared his knowledge of the flora and fauna of Arthur’s pass.

Celia_T

23 Mar, 2024

Enjoyed the scenery of the Canterbury Plains from the train…& then the climb into the Alps with wonderful views of the Waimakariri River & gorges. Great to have Anuj meet us at Arthur’s Pass in the mini bus to continue our journey. Worth doing the walk to Devils Punchbowl to see the falls….& the amazing rock formations near Castle Hill Station. Anuj was very informative…liked seeing the place where one of the Narnia movies was filmed! Great to have water & snacks for the bus journey!

User's Picture Gallery

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Great Experience!

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A Compact, but Thorough, South Island Experience

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There And Back

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Classic scenic train journey

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Definitely a trip to include on your itinerary!

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Views, Walks and so much more

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Day well spent

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Excellent Trip, if pricey

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Thanks driver/guide

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TranzAlpine Experience

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Must do!!!

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Beautiful

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Tour of New Zealand

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Arthur Pass a place you can't afford to miss

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Don't think twice. Book this one.

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Great experience

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Fantastic experience

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We had a great taste of New Zealand in one day!

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Not to be missed!

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Must do experience

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Views did not disappoint!

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Worthwhile experience

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Wonderful day trip

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One of the best!

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