Arthur's Pass & Castle Hill Day Tour

South Island

Adventure By Nature

from

NZ$549

per adult

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Two people standing beside a still pool reflecting the boulders of Castle Hill

Experiences

Hiking & Walking

Day Tours

Small Group Tours

Family-friendly Tours

South Island

Start: Christchurch

Duration: 1 day

Travel Time: 8 hours

Difficulty: 1

Details

Arthur’s Pass & Castle Hill: Alpine Landscapes and Local Flavour

Leave the city behind and head for the hills on a journey that packs in everything from roadside photo ops to remote alpine lakes. Morning starts with bakery treats in Darfield and a quick snap at Springfield’s oversized pink doughnut—fun stops that set a relaxed, friendly tone. As the road climbs into the Southern Alps, Lake Lyndon offers a peaceful tea break before crossing Porters Pass with views that stretch for miles.

In Arthur’s Pass, you’ll find native beech forest, rugged peaks, and the chance to spot kea—the cheeky mountain parrots known for their antics. Choose an easy nature walk or take on the short but dramatic trail to Devils Punchbowl Falls, where water crashes down 131 metres into lush forest. The final stop is Castle Hill / Kura Tāwhiti, where ancient limestone boulders rise from the landscape, rich in Māori history and natural drama—a fitting end to a day packed with variety, scenery, and South Island charm.

Arthur’s Pass tour van parked beside Lake Lyndon in the Southern Alps

Woman walking through a narrow gap between limestone boulders at Castle Hill, Canterbury

Visitor standing between limestone rocks at Castle Hill, admiring the high country views

Woman walking among Castle Hill boulders at sunset in golden light

Gravel path leading towards the dramatic boulder formations at Castle Hill, New Zealand

Woman standing on a massive limestone arch with arms raised at Castle Hill

Child seen through a round hole in a limestone boulder at Castle Hill

Scenic view of a lush alpine valley and towering mountains in Arthur’s Pass

Arthur’s Pass village store with visitors and a snowy mountain backdrop

Otira Viaduct cutting through misty mountain scenery with river below

Visitors at Devils Punchbowl Waterfall lookout in Arthur’s Pass National Park

Tour Inclusions

Transport with A/C
Local guide
Morning Tea, Lunch, & drinks Included
Lunch, snacks, & hot/cold drinks included.
Scenic drive S.H 73 “The Great Alpine Highway”
Explore the beauty of Arthur’s Pass Village
Optional guided walk to the stunning Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall
Enjoy a guided walk around Castle Hill boulders
Learn about the cultural and natural history of the area
Optional upgrade to include one-way TranzAlpine Train to Arthur’s Pass

Important Information

Pick-up: 8.30am
Drop-off: 4.30-5pm
Hotel pick-up within 3.5 km of Christchurch city centre, Cathedral Square, or Zeroes Cafe
Group size: Minimum of 2; maximum of 8.

Age Information

Adults: 13 years and over
Child: 5-12 years

Cancellations & Refunds

More than 48 hours before departure: Full refund**
Between 24 and 48 hours: 50% refund
Less than 24 hours: No refund
No shows: No refund

Note: **Refunds exclude credit card or booking fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Itinerary

Your day kicks off with a scenic drive west from Christchurch, heading towards the dramatic landscapes of the Southern Alps. First stop is the friendly country town of Darfield—perfect for grabbing a fresh pastry and coffee from a beloved local bakery. Then it's on to Springfield for a quick photo with its giant pink doughnut, a light-hearted roadside icon that adds a bit of fun to the journey.

As the road winds into the mountains, you’ll stop at Lake Lyndon, a peaceful alpine lake framed by rugged hills—an ideal spot for a cuppa and some fresh air. From there, the route climbs over Porters Pass, delivering sweeping views of high country valleys before arriving at Arthur’s Pass village. Here, you can stretch your legs on a short nature walk through native beech forest or opt into a guided hike to the spectacular Devil’s Punchbowl Falls—a 131-metre waterfall that thunders down through lush alpine terrain.

Optional Upgrade – TranzAlpine Scenic Train
Swap the morning road journey for a ride on the legendary TranzAlpine Train, one of the world’s great scenic rail experiences. Travel in comfort across the Canterbury Plains and through mountain tunnels before meeting your guide in Arthur’s Pass. Subject to availability on your selected travel date.

After soaking up the alpine landscapes, the final highlight awaits at Castle Hill / Kura Tāwhiti. Known for its enormous limestone boulders scattered across the valley floor, this sacred Māori site feels like walking through an ancient natural fortress. With time to explore or take in the views, it’s a memorable last stop before the relaxed drive back to Christchurch.