Travelling from Christchurch through Castle Hill to Arthur’s Pass takes you deep into the heart of the Southern Alps. Along the way, you’ll see striking limestone formations, tumbling waterfalls, and landscapes that have featured in blockbuster films. With expert commentary, every stop comes alive with stories of history, geology, and ecology.
A small group setting makes the experience more relaxed and personal, giving you time to soak up the views and snap unforgettable photos. The tour highlights New Zealand’s commitment to sustainable travel, ensuring these pristine alpine environments are cared for. Whether you’re after adventure or simply breathtaking scenery, this journey delivers something special.
Helicopter flight offering unparalleled views of the landscape.
Adults: 15 years and over
Children: 4-14 years
Outside 24 hours before travel: Full refund**
Within 24 hours before travel: No refund.
**Note: Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.
Itinerary
Christchurch – We begin our journey from the Garden City with a warm welcome from our friendly, knowledgeable driver, who will highlight some of the city’s top attractions as we head north.
Sheffield – Travelling through the stunning countryside, you'll pass lush green farmlands or, depending on the season, beautiful snowy scenes. We’ll stop in Sheffield at the world-famous pie shop for a delicious morning tea and a chance to stretch your legs before continuing our journey.
Castle Hill – Explore the unique rocks of Castle Hill, where ancient, weathered limestone formations rise from the tussocky hills in a spectacular karst landscape. These sculpted rocks are incredibly photogenic, so be sure to have your camera ready for some amazing shots.
Cave Stream Scenic Reserve – Just a short drive away is Cave Stream Scenic Reserve, where you can choose between two scenic walks. One track leads to the cave’s upstream entrance through a landscape of water-grooved rocks and limestone formations, while the other offers a view of the cave’s outflow entrance from a terrace. Don’t forget your camera—nearby limestone formations were used as a filming location for 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.'
Arthur’s Pass – From Cave Stream, we continue towards our main destination: Arthur’s Pass. Enjoy the majestic views of the Southern Alps as we approach the village, where you'll have time to explore local shops and grab some lunch. Keep an eye out for Kea, the cheeky alpine parrots, which may make an appearance both in the village and at our next stop, the Otira basin lookout.
Christchurch – After a fantastic day of exploration, we make our way back to Christchurch, ending our adventure with great memories of the day.
As this tour operates in an alpine region the weather can be unpredictable. In the event of bad weather this tour will continue on to Greymouth and Lake Brunner.
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