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
296.72

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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

apriljS4789DZ

22 Apr, 2024

Even with bad weather on the horizon, we had a very pleasant and beautiful ride from Christchurch to Greymouth and back in one day. TranzAlpine had communicated with us the day before that there was a change the train would not be able to make the trip due to pending weather. I appreciated knowing in advance. I think I would have been much more stressed if I would have been told the morning of the trip. They didn't even know for sure until the train showed up. Thankfully we had a great ride with some rain but many spectacular views along the way. Seats were comfortable, audio commentary was educational but had a few inaudible spots that kept you in a questionable state. That was not enough to bring down this scenic trip.

Rajeev_J

20 Apr, 2024

Anuj was great. Very professional, had a lot of information, history and anecdotes to share about the places and things we were seeing. It was a wonderful day. Highly recommend it.

G2173ANandrewd

19 Apr, 2024

The trip was great. The tour guide was excellent! Definitely worth the visit. A lot to take in and the people there are very friendly and knowledgeable.

Chris_H

18 Apr, 2024

A great relaxing day trip. Highly recommend. Don’t miss this trip if you’re travelling in NZ South Island

naoma1

16 Apr, 2024

The train ride was very fun. Our guide was very knowledgeable and made the return trip in a luxury van a joy.

User's Picture Gallery

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The day was one of the best we have ever experienced

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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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