TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip
5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip
By NZSI Tours & Travel
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 6-99, max of 21 per group
Duration: 10h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- 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 - Devils Punchbowl Walking Track
- Entry/Admission - Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre
- Entry/Admission - Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area
What's not included- Lunch
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
- Christchurch Bus Interchange, Corner of Lichfield St and, Colombo Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New ZealandYour guide will pick you from outside FreshChoice Supermarket (located at 71 Lichfield Street) which is across the road from Bus Exchange.
Pickup details- 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/ Distinction/ Novotel Central Christchurch/Hotel 115/Quest Cathedral Junction 3. Crowne Plaza 4. The Mayfair, 155 Victoria Street 5. Chateau on the Park
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 71335P30- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travellers 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.
- Bring your phone, USB charger & headphones to enjoy the audio commentary on the TranzAlpine Train.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled 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 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 71335P30
From
$390.00
per adult
Select date and travellers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- Pass byChristchurch Cathedral
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Cassie Y0 contributionsBeautiful experience to Mount Cook/LakesAmazing bus tour to the major sites. Excellent guide who was extremely knowledgeable of animals, terrain, and sites. Gave us a full itinerary of day. Snacks and waters provided. Lunch around 1pm. Made multiple pit stops and told you when they would be. Everything was well planned and adequate time for site seeing. Would have stayed even longer at the glacier and lake pukaki so may not be for you if you do not want a timeline. It was a perfect all day affair! My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.Written 14 February 2025
- Roving123869108420 contributionsExcellent day tripWould recommend this trip, it included a lot of stops so plenty to see along the way and a good way to travel if you're solo. The tour guide/driver was very good, he kept us updated on the weather conditions and timings of the stops throughout the day so we were well informed and he made sure we knew the best options for walks when we arrived at the Tasman Glacier.Written 2 February 2025
- 825debbiea0 contributionsMount Cooks and Lake TekapoThis was a long day but one that you shouldn't miss. AJ was our tour guide and he was excellent, very knowledgable, caring and attentive to our needs. He made the trip more enjoyable. The scenery on this trip was amazing and the lakes were icy blue. Mount Cook was majestic and the Heritage Hotel where we ate lunch provided a great backdrop of Mount Cook and the mountain side. The sight of the Tasman glacier was nice but a bit disappointing to not see closer. Overall a great trip to take from Christchurch.Written 27 January 2025
- 0jodic0 contributionsGreat tripThis is definitely worth paying to see. It is a long day but the views are spectacular. The van we had was a bit cramped but our guide was fantastic. He was informative and made sure everyone was taken care of.Written 19 January 2025
- Frank T0 contributionsStunning sceneryThis was a long day but we were well taken care of by Anuj, our guide and driver. He was terrific. The mountains and lakes on this tour are magnificent. The walk to the glacier was beautiful. There were quite a few stairs, but we had plenty of time to complete it, taking it slow. Overall, a great way to experience the stunning countryside of New Zealand in a day trip.Written 10 January 2025
- 754claym0 contributionsJust a beautiful trip. Driver was fantastic and provided Whittaker chocolate. Phenomenal views and scenery.Even though Mt Scott was obscured by clouds, the trip was fantastic because of the Lakes and glaciers. The blue water was spectacular.Written 8 January 2025
- shops5930 contributionsBest tour guide!We had an amazing time on this tour. They gave us lots of snacks and everything was organised to schedule. It rained for us during the tour but our tour guide was an absolute star! He was so attentive and very friendly. We recommend this tour a 100%!!Written 29 December 2024
- 63ramonac0 contributionsThe Driver was awesome!The driver was amazing and he described everything perfectly. The vehicle was neat and clean. He made sure that there was water bottles and snacks available throughout our trip. A very considerate person.Written 19 December 2024
- ienjoygoodfood20160 contributionsWORSE THAN AIRCRAFT ECONOMY. CHECK YOUR BUSTRANSPORT WAS TOTALLY UNSUITABLE. THE ALLOCATED BUS WAS A CITY COMMUTER - NOT A 13 HOUR TOUR. HARD NARROW UNCOMFORTABLE seating with NO leg room. VERY NOISY. POOR SUSPENSION WITH A HARD RIDE TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE AS A TOUR BUS. A small group tour that was spoilt by appalling transport. Driver/Guide provided hardly any information or commentary and relied on local radio. Worst of the four tours we took. BUT - the tour content was very good and we enjoyed clear skies with clear views of Mt Cook and the lakes.Written 24 November 2024
- HeavyEd0 contributionsFantastic day with fantastic guideExcept for how long the day was a perfect trip. Our driver/guide was terrific: had little snacks and water, coins when needed for toilets, good commentary on places we visited, recommendations for things to see and do. The tour itself hit all the high points for mid South Island.Written 21 November 2024
- Sightsee463609002430 contributionsAmazingMy husband and I enjoyed it a lot. Such a wonderful day! Highly recommend!we will come again in the future and we will recommend it to our friendsWritten 18 October 2024
- lmh00550 contributionsEL SingaporeEverything was good and fine, it's just that the weather was not good. The guide com driver was helpful and knowledgeable.Written 6 October 2024
- PatagA_130 contributionsGreat tour, worth it!This tour was amazing, we felt very taken care of. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and set our expectations of the day very clearly. We had ample access to water and snacks throughout the day. Great tour! Worth the trip, for sureWritten 2 October 2024
- Jewellie0 contributionsIcebergs! Wow!Anij was a great driver and so full of information. Very kind and thoughtful when we got to Tasman Glacier in the cold and wet. The scenery was spectacular all the way and stops well timed for me. Lake Tekapo was stunning. A fantastic day and well worth it!!Written 20 September 2024
- Shraddha S0 contributionsExcellent serviceWe had an amazing experience with our tour package, and a big part of that was thanks to our guide and chauffeur, Anuj(hope i got it right). He was incredibly knowledgeable about all the places we visited, sharing interesting facts and stories that made the trip even more enjoyable. The drive was smooth, and everything ran exactly on time, just as predicted. Anuj was also very generous, providing us with snacks and water throughout the journey, and he made sure that everyone was comfortable and looked after. The trip was well-organized from start to finish, and it was truly an incredible experience. Highly recommend this tour.Written 5 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
97 reviews
Excellent
78
Very good
17
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Anonymous855
Trabuco Canyon, California1,812 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
Our guide stood in pelting rain handing us umbrellas, pulling ponchos over us in wind and searched for late returning walkers on trails with great care and disregard for his own comfort. He was very kind and patient. I would recommend this company for tours but the actual Southern Alps are overstated. Weather obscured view from the train and open car ridiculously packed. Lunch was a free for all at the two restaurants that are open but that's not why we were on this trip. Very good hikes!
Written 29 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barry J
Auckland, New Zealand10 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
We enjoyed our TranzAlpine train to Arthurs Pass and return by minivan. The guide did an exceptionally good job looking after us, and he was so well prepared, with umbrellas, ponchos(which were needed in Arthurs Pass and for the Devils Punchbowl walk) and chocolates/ chips and other treats. The TranzAlpine train seats were in the best location to see the magnificent views , front carriage, forward facing on the right hand side. (albeit the open air carriage got very full with photographers from throughout the train, NZSI could not help that). Arthurs Pass cafes lunch options were a bit limlted, but ok. The weather was dry after Arthurs Pass and the guide made several stops at scenic and interesting locations, which he was informative about.
The day was one of the best we have ever experienced. Well done NZSI.
The day was one of the best we have ever experienced. Well done NZSI.
Written 15 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
County-Hunter
Tacoma, WA3,735 contributions
I wish I could give this tour 10 stars, it was that good. My wife and I have been on guided tours all over the world and nowhere else have we found a better run tour with such a knowledgeable and caring host.
Communication before and during the tour was fantastic and we knew exactly where to be picked up and what we would be doing.
The train ride part was awesome, but it was the stops after the train that made it worth the not so insignificant amount of money this tour costs.
You will go on two fairly lengthy hikes (if you choose). The one to devils punch bowl falls takes an hour or so, but is well worth it. I was worried about making it. My wife and I are both over 60 and are not the most fittest people, but we took our time and made it. But this is not for those with limited mobility. The after lunch hike at Castle Hill was easier but still no cakewalk. But again, what made the day special was not so much the awesome scenery, but the awesome job the tour providers did. We even got chocolate on the way home. A great experience that should not be missed.
Communication before and during the tour was fantastic and we knew exactly where to be picked up and what we would be doing.
The train ride part was awesome, but it was the stops after the train that made it worth the not so insignificant amount of money this tour costs.
You will go on two fairly lengthy hikes (if you choose). The one to devils punch bowl falls takes an hour or so, but is well worth it. I was worried about making it. My wife and I are both over 60 and are not the most fittest people, but we took our time and made it. But this is not for those with limited mobility. The after lunch hike at Castle Hill was easier but still no cakewalk. But again, what made the day special was not so much the awesome scenery, but the awesome job the tour providers did. We even got chocolate on the way home. A great experience that should not be missed.
Written 7 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reno
Yogyakarta Region, Indonesia5 contributions
The only thing that didn’t cooperate during my tour was the weather. Everything else went well! AJ (apologies if I spelt it incorrectly), our guide, was committed to making our trip as easy as possible. He arrived at the pickup location on time, arranged all the tickets for the train, gave us excellent info and commentaries on the sights, and provided snacks and drinks for everyone. The tour van itself was in good condition (despite looking dated), clean, and had working ACs (especially considering the cool, cloudy weather that day). Overall, I believe that you would have an enjoyable, courteous, and hassle-free experience with this tour.
Written 10 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora renodynamo,
We are glad to hear that you had a seamless tour experience on your recent trip to Arthur's Pass with us.
The vehicle used on the day of your tour was a brand new minibus (September 2023 model) and was only a few months old. Daimler Chrysler owns & sell Fuso Rosa buses in New Zealand and they have only made cosmetic changes to these buses.
We have recently updated our entire fleet in 2023 with brand new vehicles, to provide safety and comfort for our clients and to provide you with the best possible tour experience.
We hope that you enjoy the rest of your time here in New Zealand and have a safe trip back home.
Kind Regards,
NZSI Team
Written 13 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
April J
7 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
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.
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.
Written 22 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Graham B
Ann Arbor, MI8 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
It’s a long day but a great day. Picked up on time from a well defined close location to where we were staying. Parul was very good at staying in touch for the pickup schedule. The coach we used was very comfortable and the journey to the train satiation took only 20 minutes. Parul had pre booked seats for the train journey and sitting in the right of the train going to Arthur’s Pass gave good views. The train was luxurious and took about 3 hours. Then Parul met us at Arthur’s Pass with the coach and he took us back to Christchurch a different way from the train and we stopped many times for walks, lunch, rest room breaks and scenic lookouts. Parul was an excellent guide and I highly recommend this day trip.
Written 19 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
saigon75
Austin, TX554 contributions
My husband & I went with a fun-loving group led by Anuj who was wonderfully professional & accommodating from start to finish. The spectacular train ride then tour back to ChCh made for a truly memorable & enjoyable adventure. Anuj was thoughtful in his narration of facts, details & answers to our questions. He provided water bottles, chocolates & savory snack too which was an added bonus. All in all, we loved the tour & were most impressed with our guide’s knowledge, patience & caring for all of us who came aboard today. Thank you for a great day.
Written 6 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Blaker777
San Diego, CA30 contributions
Our driver was very knowledgeable and friendly. The train ride was very smooth with a nice selection of breakfast and selected coffee drinks in the cafe cart if you choose to buy. Two outdoor, standing only carts are nice for some fresh air and outdoor viewing however viewing from the tall glass windows from your seat is just as good. The drive back had two stops for hiking, one stop for lunch and another for bathroom break, all spaced out nicely. Scenery was fantastic, beautiful trip, well worth the money spent
Written 22 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MiamiAnne
Miami, FL8 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
Tour guide was informative, took us to the train, then led us from the train to further adventures on our way home. Aboard the train there was a cafe car with meals and snacks available for purchase. There was also an open air car which was providing people with a refreshing, slightly chilly breeze - except when going through a tunnel, when the breeze was infused with diesel fumes.
Written 1 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora rainsong305,
We are glad to hear that you had an informative day with our guide.
In regards to your feedback for TranzAlpine train while crossing the tunnel, we will pass this information to KiwiRail.
We hope you enjoy the rest of your time here in New Zealand.
Kind Regards,
NZSI Team
Written 5 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
pragyasinghal96
Caloundra, Australia6 contributions
Oct 2024 • Friends
The tour was absolutely fantastic in itself, with a well planned itinerary and magnificent views.
But what really made the tour amazing was our guide, Anuj, who was extremely considerate and helpful.
From ensuring we had water bottles and snacks after trekking, to providing detailed commentary and helpful tips for the treks, to helping me find a Kea, he was always went above and beyond in ensuring our comfort!
Even when the weather turned rainier and windier than we expected, he was well prepared with umbrellas and ponchos! Just amazing.
But what really made the tour amazing was our guide, Anuj, who was extremely considerate and helpful.
From ensuring we had water bottles and snacks after trekking, to providing detailed commentary and helpful tips for the treks, to helping me find a Kea, he was always went above and beyond in ensuring our comfort!
Even when the weather turned rainier and windier than we expected, he was well prepared with umbrellas and ponchos! Just amazing.
Written 8 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, I’m staying at The Towers at the Park in Christchurch, do you pick up from this hotel?If not, do we meet at the train station?
Written 13 December 2022
Which hotels does this tour pick up from in Christchurch?
Written 20 June 2022
Hello there
I'm interested in joining the tour on 22 November alone.
I wonder if the tour could be canceled due to the small number.
Is it right to visit both Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill?
I look forward to hearing from you.
Written 1 November 2019
Does the tour guide accompany the guests on their walks (fully guided) or do they only suggest walking trails?
Written 16 July 2019
They only provide suggestions on trails. They give you lots of time and are accommodating in allowing you to change itinerary according to what you can or like to do. They wait for you at the location until you complete your hike. Hope this helps.
Written 16 July 2019
Hello! Did you have a similar tour but finish in Queenstown? I’ve seen it last week, and I want to do this. Is it possible? Thanks
Written 24 February 2019
Hi,
This is a small group tour. However, we do provide private tours that finish in Queenstown. We can also work on an itinerary based upon your requirements. Kindly contact us for further details.
Kind Regards,
NZSI Tours & Travel
Written 24 February 2019
Hello! Did you have a similar tour but finish in Queenstown? I’ve seen it last week, and I want to do this. Is it possible? Thanks
Written 24 February 2019
Hello! Did you have a similar tour but finish in Queenstown? I’ve seen it last week, and I want to do this. Is it possible? Thanks
Written 24 February 2019
I am arriving in Christchurch on 14 March on a Holland America cruise. Arrive: 8:00 AM Depart: 7:00 PM. Is this tour available for this cruise itinerary?
Written 27 January 2019
Dear TRHofGT1981,
Our Arthur's Pass Day Tour includes TranzAlpine Train journey that departs Christchurch at 8.15am. As you're arriving in Akaroa on a cruise ship, this tour will not suit you. The drive from Akaroa to Christchurch is 1.5hrs and will not fit the itinerary.
Thanks,
NZSI Tours Team
Written 29 January 2019
Showing results 1-10 of 10
Buy it with
Top rated
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.