New Zealand · National Parks

9-Hour Arthur's Pass National Park Tour from Christchurch by Train

9 Hours Round trip from Canterbury 7875 Moderate pace

Otira river, Arthur's pass National park

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Ride the TranzAlpine train alongside the Waimakariri River to Arthur's Pass National Park
02 Drive through the Otira Gorge and mountain beech forest with a chance to spot the native Kea parrot
03 Enjoy hiking, photography, and bird watching in Arthur's Pass National Park's alpine landscape
04 Savor a homemade picnic lunch prepared by your tour guide

Board the TranzAlpine train from the foothills of the Southern Alps to Arthur's Pass National Park and travel alongside the Waimakariri River through spectacular alpine scenery. Continue by road through the Otira Gorge and mountain beech forest, where you may spot the native Kea parrot and admire crystal-clear water flowing through huge boulder-strewn streams. Enjoy a wonderful hike in the pleasant alpine landscape, with time for photography and bird watching, before returning to Christchurch through a different range of striking landscapes.

Drive up to the Otira Gorge through mountain beech forest covered with thick lichens and moss.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Christchurch, Arthur's Pass National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

TranzAlpine Journey and Hike in Arthur's Pass National Park

Meet your tour guide in the morning for pickup from your Christchurch hotel.
Drive to Springfield Railway Station in the foothills of the Southern Alps.
Board the TranzAlpine train and journey alongside the Waimakariri River up to Arthur's Pass National Park, where you will be amazed by the spectacular alpine scenery.
Arrive in Arthur's Pass National Park and disembark from the train.
Drive up to the Otira Gorge through mountain beech forest covered with thick lichens and moss. You may get to see the native parrot species called Kea, and enjoy the view of crystal-clear water flowing down huge boulder-strewn streams.
Begin your hike in the national park, with time for photography and bird watching in the pleasant alpine landscape.
In this scenic location, enjoy a homemade picnic lunch prepared by your tour guide.
Drive back to Christchurch, passing through different landscapes including alpine scenery, lakes, limestone formations, and river valleys, quite different from those seen during the train journey.

Where this trip takes you

TranzAlpine train, Waimakariri River, Arthur's Pass National Park

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Canterbury 7875 2 cities · 9 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Train tickets.
Two-course lunch.
Hiking on Devils Punch Bowl Track or Dobson Nature Track.
English-speaking New Zealand tour guide.

What's Not Included

Farm visit: NZD 35 per person, including sheep shearing, sheepdog, alpacas, and afternoon tea.
Jet boating: 20 minutes on the Waimakariri River for NZD 45.
Half round of golf: NZD 80.

Know before you go

DOC concession is available with the tour guide to conduct hikes on the Bealey Valley Track or go on the Dobson Nature Trail and the Devils Punchbowl Fall Track.
The National Park Information Centre has some very good displays about the flora and fauna of the park, as well as the history of the area.

Logistics