TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip
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.
What's Included
- WiFi on board
- National Park fees
- Transport by air-conditioned late model Minibus.
- Small group
- Bottle water and light snacks
- Pickup and drop-off from selected Central Christchurch Hotels.
- TranzAlpine Train Tickets from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass.
- Fully guided tour except the walks.
- Lunch
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup timing will be confirmed a day prior to travel date. Pickup/ drop-off is offered from selected Central Christchurch Hotels listed below:1. Christchurch Bus Interchange 2. Heritage Hotel/ Distinction Hotel 3. Crowne Plaza Hotel 4. The Mayfair, 155 Victoria Street 5. Chateau on the Park 6. Fino Hotel & Suites, 87 Kilmore Street, Christchurch, New Zealand 7. Quest on Kilmore, 93 Kilmore Street, Christchurch, New Zealand 8. Hotel Montreal, 363 Montreal Street, Christchurch, New Zealand 9. Wyndham Garden Christchurch City, 64 Kilmore Street, Christchurch, New Zealand
Corner of Lichfield St and
Colombo Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
TranzAlpine Train (pass by)
Arthur's Pass National Park
45 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Devils Punchbowl Walking Track
1 hour Admission Ticket Included
Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre
1 hour Admission Ticket Included
Lake Pearson
5 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Flock Hill Station
10 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Castle Hill / Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area
45 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Christchurch
1 hour 15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Fully guided tour except the walks in the National Park & Castle Hill.
- Bring your phone, USB charger & headphones to enjoy the audio commentary on the TranzAlpine Train.
- Maximise your scenery with our confirmed morning train tickets during winter months (May to September). By travelling earlier in the day, you enjoy full daylight for the entire journey—perfect for capturing the spectacular winter landscapes.
- Please note this tour may operate in reverse during summer from October to April. If morning train tickets are sold out, you will travel from Arthur’s Pass to Christchurch in the afternoon. Since the sun sets late in summer, you will still enjoy the entire journey in full daylight with spectacular views.
- We have designed our itinerary with a dedicated break at [Arthur's Pass National Park], giving you the freedom to explore the local cafes and choose a meal that suits your appetite.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 21 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the TranzAlpine Train, Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-71335P30
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.87 out of 5 stars based on 487 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
- This tour 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.
- WiFi on board.
- National Park fees.
- Transport by air-conditioned late model Minibus.
- Small group.
- Bottle water and light snacks.
- Pickup and drop-off from selected Central Christchurch Hotels.
- TranzAlpine Train Tickets from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass.
- Fully guided tour except the walks.
- Lunch.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 4. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for TranzAlpine Train, Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- WiFi on board
- National Park fees
- Transport by air-conditioned late model Minibus.
- Small group
- Bottle water and light snacks
- Pickup and drop-off from selected Central Christchurch Hotels.
- TranzAlpine Train Tickets from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass.
- Fully guided tour except the walks.
- Lunch
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Fully guided tour except the walks in the National Park & Castle Hill.
- Bring your phone, USB charger & headphones to enjoy the audio commentary on the TranzAlpine Train.
- Maximise your scenery with our confirmed morning train tickets during winter months (May to September). By travelling earlier in the day, you enjoy full daylight for the entire journey—perfect for capturing the spectacular winter landscapes.
- Please note this tour may operate in reverse during summer from October to April. If morning train tickets are sold out, you will travel from Arthur’s Pass to Christchurch in the afternoon. Since the sun sets late in summer, you will still enjoy the entire journey in full daylight with spectacular views.
- We have designed our itinerary with a dedicated break at [Arthur's Pass National Park], giving you the freedom to explore the local cafes and choose a meal that suits your appetite.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 21 travelers
