Full Day Arthurs Pass Tour With Tranzalpine Train in New Zealand

Embark on an unforgettable journey through New Zealand’s stunning landscapes with the Full Day Arthurs Pass Tour with TranzAlpine Train. Combining a scenic rail adventure and guided explorations, this tour offers an exceptional opportunity to witness the majestic Southern Alps, discover hidden gems, and take in the region’s natural wonders. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and a range of included activities, this tour promises a truly memorable experience. But the real question is, what secrets lie waiting to be uncovered along the way?

This experience made our list of the 5 Best Full-Day Tours In Christchurch.

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Christchurch combines a scenic train journey on the TranzAlpine with exploration of the Arthurs Pass region in New Zealand.
• The tour has a maximum capacity of 40 travelers and includes local snacks, soda, and lunch, as well as air-conditioned transportation with Wi-Fi.
• Highlights of the tour include the Castle Hill walk, sightings of snow and sheep, and breathtaking views of the Southern Alps.
• The tour duration is approximately 11 hours, with pickup at 9 am and return around 8 pm, and an optional jet boat ride on the Waimakariri River.
• The tour has an average rating of 4.5 stars based on 11 reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable and friendly guides, as well as the scenic landscapes.

Tour Overview

The Arthurs Pass Tour is a full-day excursion from Christchurch, New Zealand that combines a scenic train journey on the TranzAlpine with exploration of the stunning landscapes and natural wonders of the Arthurs Pass region.

This tour accommodates a maximum of 40 travelers and comes with confirmation upon booking. Customers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the tour.

The tour includes snacks, a lunch, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle equipped with Wi-Fi. Travelers can also opt for an additional jet boat ride on the Waimakariri River for an extra charge.

The tour has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 11 reviews, with many praising the knowledgeable and friendly guides.

Inclusions

This tour includes a range of amenities to enhance the overall experience.

Travelers can enjoy local snacks, soda/pop, and bottled water, as well as a provided lunch during the day. Plus, the air-conditioned transportation vehicle offers onboard WiFi connectivity.

The highlight of the tour is the TranzAlpine Train ticket, which allows participants to experience the stunning vistas of the Southern Alps.

For those seeking an additional adventure, an optional jet boat ride on the Waimakariri River is available for an extra charge.

With these inclusions, the tour is designed to provide a comprehensive and enjoyable day out in the natural beauty of New Zealand’s Arthur’s Pass region.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup locations for the tour include selected sites around Christchurch or the direct meeting point at the Bus Interchange in Christchurch Central, with the recommendation to arrive 5 minutes early. Specific pickup times from various hotels are provided, such as Hotel Elms at 07:55 and Sudima City at 08:08. Participants are advised to be punctual, as the tour will not wait for late arrivals, and no refunds are given for no-shows.

Pickup Location	Pickup Time
Hotel Elms	07:55
Sudima City	08:08
Bus Interchange, Christchurch Central	Meeting Point
Selected Locations Around Christchurch	Varies
Recommended Arrival Time	5 Minutes Early

Tour Experience

On the tour, travelers can expect to see a variety of highlights, including the Castle Hill walk, sightings of snow and sheep, and scenic views throughout the day.

The guides, praised for their knowledge and friendliness, will lead the group through the beautiful landscapes of Arthurs Pass.

Travelers can enjoy local snacks, soda, and bottled water, as well as a provided lunch, during the tour.

While some reviews noted the tour’s long travel time and high cost, many customers appreciated the overall adventure and described it as a great option for those who don’t want to drive.

The tour duration is approximately 11 hours, with pickup at 9 am and return around 8 pm.

Feedback and Reviews

According to reviews, travelers generally had positive experiences on the Arthurs Pass tour, praising the beautiful landscapes, knowledgeable guides, and enjoyable snacks provided.

While some reviews noted the tour was high-cost and the TranzAlpine train could have been cleaner, many appreciated the overall adventure despite minor mishaps.

Key highlights from customer feedback include:

1. Spectacular scenic views and sightings of snow and sheep along the way.

2. Engaging and informative guides, such as Clive and Ross, who enhanced the tour experience.

3. A variety of tasty local snacks, sodas, and bottled water included in the tour.

4. The tour being a great option for non-drivers to explore the stunning Arthur’s Pass region.

Scenic Highlights

The tour’s scenic highlights include breathtaking views of the Southern Alps, with opportunities to spot snow-capped peaks and grazing sheep along the way.

Travelers rave about the Castle Hill walk, which offers panoramic vistas of the stunning mountain landscape.

During the journey, guests are treated to a visual feast as the TranzAlpine train winds its way through the dramatic, ever-changing scenery.

Many reviewers highlight the awe-inspiring snow and ice-covered landscapes, which are a testament to the raw power and beauty of New Zealand’s natural wonders.

Whether it’s admiring the rugged peaks or watching the sheep dot the rolling hills, the Arthurs Pass tour provides an unforgettable sightseeing experience.

Adventure and Activities

Beyond the scenic splendor, the full-day Arthurs Pass Tour offers an array of exciting activities that let travelers enjoy the region’s natural wonders. Participants can embark on a thrilling jet boat ride along the Waimakariri River, providing a unique perspective of the rugged, glacier-fed waterway. This optional add-on venture allows visitors to experience the sheer power and speed of the river, weaving through narrow canyons and commanding the attention of all aboard.

The tour also features several other adventurous highlights:

1. Guided walks through the breathtaking Castle Hill landscape

2. Opportunities to witness the majesty of snow-capped peaks and roaming sheep

3. Stops at scenic lookout points with panoramic vistas

4. An unforgettable journey aboard the renowned TranzAlpine train.

Value for Money

Travelers on the Arthurs Pass Tour have expressed mixed opinions regarding the value for money, with some finding the overall cost to be high compared to the tour’s duration and inclusions. While the tour includes a scenic train ride, snacks, and transportation, the price tag may give some pause. To better understand the value proposition, consider the following table:

Feature	Low Value	Average Value	High Value
Tour Duration	Under 6 hours	6-8 hours	Over 8 hours
Inclusions	Limited snacks/activities	Moderate offerings	Comprehensive package
Pricing	Over $200 NZD	$150-200 NZD	Under $150 NZD

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Special Dietary Accommodations Available?

The tour provider offers snacks, soda, and a provided lunch. They accommodate special dietary needs, such as vegetarian or gluten-free options, if requested at the time of booking.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour offers wheelchair accessibility. The air-conditioned vehicles and train have accommodations for passengers with mobility needs. However, the walking portions of the tour may present some challenges for wheelchair users. Customers should inquire about specific accessibility details when booking.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Beverages?

Passengers can bring their own snacks and beverages on the tour. However, the tour package includes complimentary local snacks, soda/pop, and bottled water, so bringing additional food and drinks is not necessary.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration. The standard tour package is a full-day experience, with pickup around 9 AM and return around 8 PM. Customers must adhere to the scheduled times provided at booking.

Do I Need to Bring Any Specific Equipment or Clothing?

For this tour, travelers should dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes. Warm coats, hats, and gloves are recommended, as the tour may encounter cooler temperatures and alpine conditions. No specialized equipment is required.

Recap

The Full Day Arthurs Pass Tour with TranzAlpine Train offers an unforgettable adventure in New Zealand’s stunning Southern Alps.

Travelers can enjoy breathtaking train views, guided walks, and local cuisine while exploring the region’s natural beauty.

With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and optional activities, this tour provides excellent value for money and promises an unforgettable day of exploration and discovery.