Christchurch: Arthur's Pass & Castle Hill Scenic Day Tour

A person taking a photo of a lake with mountains in the background. 1

A group of people observing a waterfall in a forested area. 2

By Adventure By Nature

Exceptional

Free cancellation available

See tickets

Features

Free cancellation available
8h
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Selective hotel pickup

Overview

Explore giant limestone boulders of the Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti scenic reserve
Capture the stunning photos in the heart of New Zealand's mountains
Enjoy forest walks and local wildlife around Arthur's Pass Village
Optional upgrade: one-way TranzAlpine Train journey to Arthur's Pass
Choose from either a shared or private guided experience

Activity location

- Christchurch
- Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

- Christchurch
- Christchurch, Canterbury Region, New Zealand

Check availability

Christchurch: Guided Arthur's Pass Private Tour

8h
English

Enjoy a private tour to Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill. This tour requires no minimum numbers to run, providing an intimate and relaxing tour for an individual or small group.

Travellers

Language options: English

Starting time: 08:30

Price details

€815.19 x 1 Traveller€815.19

Total

Until Sun, 9 Aug

Christchurch: Guided Arthur's Pass Small Group Tour

8h
English

Select this option if you'd like to be collected directly from your inner-city accommodation. Includes guide, transport, lunch, snacks, tea & coffee.
For single bookings, please book & pay for two people and you'll be refunded if another booking is made.

Travellers

Language options: English

Starting time: 08:30

Price details

€279.89 x 2 Adults€559.78

Total

Until Sun, 9 Aug

Private Arthur's Pass Tour with One-Way TranzAlpine Train

8h
English

Enjoy the scenic TranzAlpine train journey to Arthur's Pass followed by a private tour of Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill. This private tour requires no minimum numbers to run, and is a relaxing tour for an individual or small group.

Travellers

Language options: English

Starting time: 08:30

Price details

€1,070.10 x 1 Traveller€1,070.10

Total

Until Sun, 9 Aug

Guided Arthur's Pass Tour with one-way TranzAlpine Train

8h
English

Select this option if you'd like to upgrade to take the TranzAlpine train to Arthur's Pass. We'll pick you up from your hotel and take you to the train station. We'll meet you in Arthur's Pass and continue the small group tour back to Christchurch.

Travellers

Language options: English

Starting time: 08:30

Price details

€407.34 x 2 Adults€814.68

Total

Until Sun, 9 Aug

What's included, what's not

Hotel pickup
Hotel drop-off
Morning Tea
Lunch -Picnic
Hot Drinks
Cold Drinks
Biscuits & Fruit
Local Guide
Transport

Know before you book

- Not allowed: Drones
- In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.
- This activity is provided by a professional trader (a party acting within their trade, business or profession).

What you can expect

You will be picked up from your accommodation or at the meeting point in Christchurch.
Your day begins with a scenic drive from Christchurch, heading west towards the Southern Alps. The first stop of the journey is Darfield, a charming town famous for its delightful bakery. From Darfield, you’ll head to Lake Lyndon, a serene spot nestled in the mountains, where you’ll pause for a peaceful morning tea surrounded by tranquil alpine scenery.
Next, the road takes you over Porters Pass, a beautiful mountain pass offering panoramic views of the surrounding ranges. The journey then leads you to the village of Arthur’s Pass, where you’ll have several options for exploration. You can enjoy short forest walks through nearby tracks, taking in the native alpine forest and possibly spotting some local wildlife. For those seeking a more rewarding adventure, an optional guided walk to the stunning Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall is available. The walk takes you to a breathtaking site where the waterfall cascades dramatically down the cliffs, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the valley.

Optional Upgrade: TranzAlpine Scenic Train:
Start your adventure in style by upgrading to a one-way journey on the world-renowned TranzAlpine Train. Travel from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass by rail, soaking in spectacular mountain and valley views before joining the rest of the tour. (This replaces the road journey to Arthur’s Pass; all other inclusions remain the same.) *This is subject to availability on your travel dates.

After exploring Arthur’s Pass, the tour continues to the tranquil shores of Moana Rua (Lake Pearson) for a relaxed lunch stop beside the lake. The journey then travels to Kura Tawhiti (Castle Hill), an area known for its limestone boulders that rise from the ground, creating a surreal and dramatic landscape. You’ll have the chance to take a short walk and explore the area or simply admire the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
As the day draws to a close, begin the journey back to Christchurch, stopping briefly in Springfield for a comfort break and photo opportunity before crossing the Canterbury Plains once more. Arrive back in Christchurch with lasting memories of a day spent discovering some of the South Island’s most spectacular natural landscapes.