Overview
On this Arthurs Pass Scenic Private Tour, we will journey through the vast expanse of New Zealand's Canterbury Plains, and make our way into the high country and finally into the jagged peaks and mountain ranges of the stunning Arthur’s Pass National Park. Once there, you have the option to embark on a hike into the mountains with a guide or set out for a scenic nature tour with short walks and interpretations.
From your accommodation, a guide will pick you up and transfer you to Arthur’s Pass either by minicoach, or drop you off at the train station for a journey onboard the TranzAlpine Train. You will then be travelling west across the vast agricultural expanse of the rich Canterbury Plains on your way to Springfield where photogenic views of magnificent mountains towering above you await. Passengers onboard the train are treated to equally marvellous views: The ride through the gorge before heading into the lofty mountains of the Southern Alps & Arthur’s Pass is something to look forward to for its breathtaking splendour.
On arriving at Arthur’s Pass village, either with your guide or with the guide meeting you at the train station, you will have the chance to enjoy the following activities:
- Survey the Waimakariri River’s unique braided river system
- Get inside the Arthur’s Pass National Park for a choice of either short walks (AP01 & AP02) or a longer hike (AP03 & AP04) to experience rivers and forests and enjoy mountain views
- Dine on a delicious lunch at an historic high country hotel (AP01 & AP02) or take a break in the mountains for packed lunch (AP03 & AP04)
- See where the old stagecoach route leads you and view the breathtaking Otira Gorge, a triumph of the 1860’s builders and the path followed by Maori in their search for pounamu or greenstone
- Explore the Cave Stream where it tunnels underground beneath an area of gorges, limestone cliffs and jagged outcrops. This area was a filming location for the CS Lewis adaptation of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”
OR
- Get up close before the stunning Castle Hill rocks, a place sacred to the Maori where outcrops of limestone have been weathered by rain
Return to Christchurch onboard a deluxe mini-van, passing through the sub-alpine Porter’s Pass before crossing the Canterbury Plains.
Details
Start: Christchurch (7:30am)
Finish: Christchurch (about 3:30pm)
Includes:
- Travel by minicoach rom Christchurch to Arthur's Pass
- Fully escorted with informative commentary
- Delicious picnic morning/afternoon tea
- Lunch in a country hotel with spectacular mountain views
- Guided walks to explore the alpine and highcountry landscapes
- City accommodation pickup / dropoff
Overview
On this Arthurs Pass Scenic Private Tour, we will journey through the vast expanse of New Zealand's Canterbury Plains, and make our way into the high country and finally into the jagged peaks and mountain ranges of the stunning Arthur’s Pass National Park. Once there, you have the option to embark on a hike into the mountains with a guide or set out for a scenic nature tour with short walks and interpretations.
From your accommodation, a guide will pick you up and transfer you to Arthur’s Pass either by minicoach, or drop you off at the train station for a journey onboard the TranzAlpine Train. You will then be travelling west across the vast agricultural expanse of the rich Canterbury Plains on your way to Springfield where photogenic views of magnificent mountains towering above you await. Passengers onboard the train are treated to equally marvellous views: The ride through the gorge before heading into the lofty mountains of the Southern Alps & Arthur’s Pass is something to look forward to for its breathtaking splendour.
On arriving at Arthur’s Pass village, either with your guide or with the guide meeting you at the train station, you will have the chance to enjoy the following activities:
- Survey the Waimakariri River’s unique braided river system
- Get inside the Arthur’s Pass National Park for a choice of either short walks (AP01 & AP02) or a longer hike (AP03 & AP04) to experience rivers and forests and enjoy mountain views
- Dine on a delicious lunch at an historic high country hotel (AP01 & AP02) or take a break in the mountains for packed lunch (AP03 & AP04)
- See where the old stagecoach route leads you and view the breathtaking Otira Gorge, a triumph of the 1860’s builders and the path followed by Maori in their search for pounamu or greenstone
- Explore the Cave Stream where it tunnels underground beneath an area of gorges, limestone cliffs and jagged outcrops. This area was a filming location for the CS Lewis adaptation of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”
OR
- Get up close before the stunning Castle Hill rocks, a place sacred to the Maori where outcrops of limestone have been weathered by rain
Return to Christchurch onboard a deluxe mini-van, passing through the sub-alpine Porter’s Pass before crossing the Canterbury Plains.
