Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christchurch via 1 Way TranzAlpine From Christchurch to Greymouth

Nestled at the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana), Arthur’s Pass is steeped in history. Connecting the east and west coasts of Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, the route was originally established by iwi to trade pounamu (greenstone) before it became known to surveyors such as Arthur Dudley Dobson, who would later colonise its status in 1864. Home of the world’s only truly alpine parrot and our namesake, the Kea, the now National Park’s dramatic terrain, powerful waterfalls, unique fauna, native Beech forest, and engineering feats make it a popular destination for hikers and sightseers alike. 

So why not join us as we travel from Ōtautahi Christchurch to the wild West Coast? Your morning to midday will be spent aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine, travelling across braided rivers and the Canterbury plains, past majestic mountains and Lake Brunner, and through the 8km long Otira tunnel before arriving in Greymouth. Travelling via the Great Alpine Highway on our return, we will stop to explore the jaw-dropping geology and geography of Castle Hill and Arthur’s Pass. You will be driven in comfort by our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar), packed with the extras to make the trip that bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides, this journey is one you will never forget! 

As this tour operates in an alpine region, the weather can be unpredictable, so please prepare for all conditions.

Highlights and inclusions:

Itinerary:

Christchurch and the TranzAlpine (CHCH-GRZ) – We start our journey towards the West Coast by dropping you off at the Christchurch Railway Station at Tower Junction. It is here that you will catch the TranzAlpine and head towards Greymouth. Enjoy the views from the train’s open-air carriage as you travel across braided rivers, past high country stations and alpine lakes, around horseshoe bends, and through the 8km long Otira Tunnel. This ever-changing landscape is beautiful all year round, allowing you to sit back and relax and take it all in.

 Greymouth (5 minutes) - Upon arrival in Greymouth, our guide will collect you from the Information Centre - conveniently located at the train station. As the largest town in the Westland region, Greymouth, or Māwhera, is home to about 14,000 people. Framed by chiselled cliff tops, wild beaches, the Grey River and the picturesque Grey Valley, this charming destination is not only a beautiful spot, but a key transit hub and community for the West Coast.

 Cobden Breakwater (5 minutes) - Located just a short drive away from the centre of Greymouth, Cobden is a beach break with a rock breakwater at its southern end, producing incredible waves that pound right up against the structure. It’s a rugged but picturesque photo spot.

 Otira Gorge Lookout (10 minutes) - Also known as Death's Corner, the Otira Viaduct Lookout is an amazing spot to see the National Park in all its glory. This bridge is the only reason that driving through Arthur’s Pass is possible today. At 440 metres long, it is a true feat of engineering. The lookout is a great spot for a photo framing of the viaduct and the surrounding landscape. Keep your eyes peeled at this stop! With a bit of luck, you might even see a wee Cheeky Kea - New Zealand’s sneaky alpine parrot!

 Arthur’s Pass Village (1 hour) - We depart the lookout and head towards Arthur’s Pass Village. Located 740 metres above sea level, you will be able to experience the majestic Southern Alps up close. Once we arrive, you can choose to either walk to Devil's Punch Bowl or grab a coffee and spend some time exploring the local shops. 

Devils Punch Bowl - This walking track is approximately 1 hour long, with a gradual incline (including steps) towards a ferocious 131 metre tall waterfall. Fitness is low to moderate as you walk through the bush and native beech forest. 

Please note that, depending on the time, your guide will let you know how long you have and will assist you on the day in regard to the best activity for the weather and time allocated.

 Lake Lyndon (5 minutes) - Next up, we stop at Lake Lyndon. Nestled at the base of Porters Pass, Lyndon, or Te Hāpua Waikawa, is popular amongst jetboaters, bird watchers, and brave swimmers. It is known as one of this area's colder lakes.

 Castle Hill (1 hour) - Castle Hill, or Kura Tāwhiti, is perhaps one of Canterbury’s most distinguishable settings. Famous for its scenery that would later inspire Middle-earth, nearby Flock Hill, which Castle Hill shares its geology with, went on to become one of the filming locations used for The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. The weathered limestone rocks sit proudly abreast the tussocky hills that were once in the ocean. Over time, they have eroded away, forming the amazing, unique shapes you see today. While you walk amongst the rocks, you might catch a glimpse of climbers and boulderers who frequent the area. Please note that this is not a guided walk, so you will be left to explore this piece of beauty on your own.

 Christchurch - As we leave Castle Hill and make our way through Porters Pass on our return to the Garden City, sit back and relax after a wonderful day aboard the TranzAlpine, and exploring Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill. With your camera roll full, this day will definitely be something to brag about!

Please note that additional stops are taken into consideration for toilet breaks.

IMPORTANT:  Please note that TranzAlpine bookings are managed by Great Journeys New Zealand, who cannot be held responsible for any missed onward connections due to delayed train arrivals. The TranzAlpine’s departure from Greymouth is 2:15 pm and arrival in Christchurch is 7 pm. However, the service can experience delays of 30 minutes or more, so please bear this in mind when booking this product. This may mean that you might not be able to have time for the views in Cobden. Please be aware and patient if this occurs. As Great Journeys is a third-party supplier, we are not responsible for any delays or issues that may occur while aboard the TranzAlpine. For concerns or questions, please contact the operator directly.

We at Cheeky Kea Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey, and all those little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complimentary refreshments, and many other fun surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. 

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