Check Availability
from US$ 323.32 / Person
  • Adult (13+)
    - +
  • Child (2-12)
    - +
Hold on. It can sometimes take up to 30 seconds to search for your dates and options. Please bear with us.

TranzAlpine Train, Arthur’s Pass and Jet Boat Ride

Hotel Pick up included

Activity Schedule

  • When does it run?

    Daily

  • Duration

    10 hours

  • Start time

    8am

  • Meeting Point
    Good news! You can get picked up from your hotel in Christchurch, just give us the details at the time of booking. Don’t worry if you have not booked your hotel yet, you pass them onto the operator when you are ready.
  • Ending Point

    You will be dropped off at your hotel in Christchurch

Key Highlights

  • Jaw-dropping views of the snowy Southern Alps
  • Take one of the world′s top 10 train rides – the TranzAlpine!
  • See the breathtaking beauty of Otira Gorge
  • Fantastic photo-opportunities everywhere you look
  • Enjoy a thrilling jet-boat adventure on Waimakariri River
  • Lunch at Wobbly Kea restaurant included

Overview


This thrill-packed day tour includes lots of fun activities as well as some of the most spectacular scenery in South Island.

After a road trip through the lush Canterbury Plains, jump on the famous TranzAlpine railway, rated among the top 10 rail rides in the world! Gaze out at spectacular snow-capped peaks, lush green forests and dizzying gorges.

Leave the train at Arthur’s Pass and travel through misty mountains to the magnificent Otira Gorge. See the graceful curve of the splendid Otira Viaduct, one of New Zealand’s greatest engineering achievements.

Enjoy lunch and a short walk past mossy rocks and sparkling streams before heading back to Christchurch. You also get the chance of an adrenalin-pumping high speed ride through the dramatic Waimak Canyon.

Teatime finds you at a farm where you can enjoy refreshments and a glimpse of real life on a New Zealand sheep station.

Itinerary

For this tour, you will be picked up from your hotel in Christchurch in the morning and then journey by road through the pastoral scenes of the Canterbury Plains.

At Springfield, board the world famous TranzAlpine train, acknowledged as ‘one of the top 10 train journeys in the world’. A commentary is given during the journey and there are open observation cars where you can take photos.

After leaving Springfield, the train begins to climb into the Southern Alps. Look out of the panoramic windows to see splendid views of the magnificent Waimakiriri River gorge to the right. As it climbs, the train crosses a series of steel girder bridges over deep canyons and through a series of short tunnels. The highest viaduct is the famous 'Staircase', 73 metres above the river.

On reaching Arthur’s Pass you will leave the train and re-board your coach. Follow an old stage-coach route over the snow-capped Southern Alps to the Otira Gorge and Viaduct where you make a photo stop. The splendid Otira Viaduct is 440m long, earthquake proofed, and elegantly curved to blend harmoniously with its surroundings.

Visit the old village of Otira before returning to Arthur’s Pass for lunch at the Wobbly Kea Restaurant. Your meal includes a starter of “Soup of the Day”, followed by a main course choice of Bangers and Mash, Beer Battered Fish, Caesar Salad or a vegetarian pasta. Tea or coffee is included.

After lunch you can explore the village and take a stroll through the bush. The return journey to Christchurch is by road, stopping for an exhilarating 30 minute jet boat ride through the spectacular Waimak canyon on the snow-fed Waimakariri River. Feel the adrenalin pumping as your experienced captain performs high speed spins and manoeuvres.

After the jet-boating adventure, a visit will be made to a farm for late afternoon tea, followed by a sheep shearing and sheep mustering demonstration.

At the end of the day you will be dropped back at your hotel in Christchurch.

Inclusions

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Transportation in an air-conditioned coach
  • English-speaking driver/guide
  • 1hr 45 minute one-way journey on TranzAlpine train
  • 2-course lunch (plus tea or coffee) at Wobbly Kea restaurant
  • 30-minute jet boat ride
  • Sheep farm visit and afternoon tea

Additional info

The confirmation voucher includes the local activity operator’s contact details. They’re a nice bunch, and will happily answer any logistical questions you may have. Please give them a call at least 24 hours before your organised  activity to reconfirm.

Customer Reviews

  • John McFarlane
    Wonderful experience

    WE HAD A GREAT TIME AND WISH TO THANK THE LOCAL TOUR OPERATOR LIZ/LIZZY WHO MADE THE PACKAGE POSSIBLE. THE LUNCH IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. THANK-YOU TO ALL INVOLVED....

    Australia 07/14/2014

travel inspiration from guidebook

Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. To find out more, please read our Cookie Policy. Accept