Overview
On this Arthurs Pass & TranzAlpine Train with Scenic Walk journey from Christchurch in New Zealand, we will travel through the immense swath of the Canterbury Plains before reaching high country and the rugged mountain ranges of Arthur’s Pass National Park. You can either go on a guided mountain hike on reaching the Arthur’s Pass village, or a scenic nature tour with short walks and interpretations.
You will be collected from your accommodation, then transported by TranzAlpine train to Arthur’s Pass. You will be travelling west to Springfield through the rich agricultural expanse of the Canterbury Plains. On reaching Springfield, you will have a chance to capture the majestic views of the mountains soaring above you. The journey through the gorge is something to look forward to: spectacular vistas greet you before entering the high mountain realm of Arthur’s Pass and the Southern Alps.
On reaching Arthur’s Pass village with your guide or with the guide meeting you at the train station, you have the opportunity to engage in the following activities:
- Admire the unique braided river system of the Waimakariri River
- Enter Arthur’s Pass National Park for an option of short walks (AP01 & AP02) or a longer hike (AP03 & AP04) where you’ll encounter rivers and forests and take in mountain views
- Have lunch at an historic high country hotel (AP01 & AP02) or packed lunch during your hike (AP03 & AP04)
- Explore the old stagecoach route and marvel at the stunning Otira Gorge, a triumph of the builders of the 1860’s and the route taken by Maori in their search for pounamu or greenstone
- Discover the Cave Stream, a hollowed out tunnel that goes underground beneath jagged outcrops, gorges and limestone cliffs. The CS Lewis film adaptation of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” was shot here.
OR
- Visit the magnificent Castle Hill rocks, a collection of limestone outcrops eroded by rain and the elements which the Maori considered sacred
A deluxe mini-van will take you back to Christchurch. You will travel through the sub-alpine Porter’s Pass before crossing the Canterbury Plains.
Details
Start: Christchurch (7:30am)
Finish: Christchurch (approx. 3:30pm)
Includes:
- TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass
- Travel by minicoach
- 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 / dropof
Overview
On this Arthurs Pass & TranzAlpine Train with Scenic Walk journey from Christchurch in New Zealand, we will travel through the immense swath of the Canterbury Plains before reaching high country and the rugged mountain ranges of Arthur’s Pass National Park. You can either go on a guided mountain hike on reaching the Arthur’s Pass village, or a scenic nature tour with short walks and interpretations.
You will be collected from your accommodation, then transported by TranzAlpine train to Arthur’s Pass. You will be travelling west to Springfield through the rich agricultural expanse of the Canterbury Plains. On reaching Springfield, you will have a chance to capture the majestic views of the mountains soaring above you. The journey through the gorge is something to look forward to: spectacular vistas greet you before entering the high mountain realm of Arthur’s Pass and the Southern Alps.
On reaching Arthur’s Pass village with your guide or with the guide meeting you at the train station, you have the opportunity to engage in the following activities:
- Admire the unique braided river system of the Waimakariri River
- Enter Arthur’s Pass National Park for an option of short walks (AP01 & AP02) or a longer hike (AP03 & AP04) where you’ll encounter rivers and forests and take in mountain views
- Have lunch at an historic high country hotel (AP01 & AP02) or packed lunch during your hike (AP03 & AP04)
- Explore the old stagecoach route and marvel at the stunning Otira Gorge, a triumph of the builders of the 1860’s and the route taken by Maori in their search for pounamu or greenstone
- Discover the Cave Stream, a hollowed out tunnel that goes underground beneath jagged outcrops, gorges and limestone cliffs. The CS Lewis film adaptation of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” was shot here.
OR
- Visit the magnificent Castle Hill rocks, a collection of limestone outcrops eroded by rain and the elements which the Maori considered sacred
A deluxe mini-van will take you back to Christchurch. You will travel through the sub-alpine Porter’s Pass before crossing the Canterbury Plains.
