Arthur’s Pass Tours
Rugged beauty, pristine rivers, and lush forests. Come discover this magic place with us.
Arthur’s Pass Tours
Rugged beauty, pristine rivers, and lush forests. Come discover this magic place with us.
Sit back and relax, or get into it - we have options for all.
There are many ways to experience this magnificent landscape. Here are Canterbury Trails we have put together a selection of options that will appeal to all. Whether you enjoy escaping deep into the wilds or prefer a more leisurely approach in our luxury fleet - we have something you will just love.
Scenic Drive to Arthurs Pass
Experience this breathtaking journey from the Canterbury Plains to Arthur’s Pass National Park. Our experienced local guides know all the secret spots to stop along the way, ensuring you see the hidden gems of the rugged wonderland.
Add in a few short, guided walks and you have the recipe for a magnificent day out in the rugged wonderland.
TranzAlpine to Arthur's Pass
Embark on a scenic journey from Christchurch to Arthurs Pass, boarding the TranzAlpine train for breathtaking views. After lunch, enjoy a leisurely walk and a drive back to Christchurch, exploring iconic sites en route
For those wanting a more bespoke experience, our private Arthur's Pass tours can be tailored to your specific pace and interests.
A local's guide to Arthur's Pass
Arthur's Pass is where Canterbury climbs into the Southern Alps: a national park of beech forest, waterfalls and big alpine country, about two hours from Christchurch. The village sits high among the peaks, and the journey there is one of the great drives of the South Island.
The road crosses the high country past a string of glacier-fed lakes and the extraordinary limestone formations at Kura Tawhiti, Castle Hill, a place of deep cultural significance to Ngai Tahu. Higher up, the lookouts above the Otira Gorge often come with a visit from the kea, the world's only alpine parrot and a born entertainer.
This is also TranzAlpine country. One of the world's most celebrated rail journeys runs from Christchurch through the gorges and viaducts of the Waimakariri to Arthur's Pass, and our signature tour pairs the train one way with a guided road journey back, so you see both sides of the Alps in a single day.
Choose the TranzAlpine and nature walk tour, travel by premium vehicle on the Arthur's Pass scenic drive, or go further with a private high country farm tour or the Flockhill gourmet experience. Every tour is capped at 8 guests and includes hotel pickup, an expert driver-guide, lunch and afternoon tea, and all of them are available privately.
Frequently asked questions
The questions our guests ask most when planning an Arthur's Pass day. Anything else, just ask.
How far is Arthur's Pass from Christchurch?
How far is Arthur's Pass from Christchurch?
About two hours by road through the Canterbury high country. The TranzAlpine train takes a little longer and is a destination in itself.
Should I take the TranzAlpine train or go by road?
Should I take the TranzAlpine train or go by road?
Both are special. The train crosses viaducts and gorges the road never sees; the road lets you stop at Castle Hill, the high country lakes and the best lookouts. Our most popular tour combines the two: train one way, guided road journey the other.
What is Castle Hill?
What is Castle Hill?
Kura Tawhiti, Castle Hill, is a landscape of giant limestone formations scattered across a high country basin. It is a place of deep cultural significance to Ngai Tahu and one of the most photographed stops in Canterbury.
Will we see kea?
Will we see kea?
Arthur's Pass is the heartland of the kea, the world's only alpine parrot. They are often about the village and the Otira lookout, though wild sightings can never be guaranteed.
How much walking is involved?
How much walking is involved?
Gentle, short walks chosen on the day for the weather and the group, including beech forest tracks and waterfall viewpoints. Your guide adapts the day to you.
Is winter a good time to visit?
Is winter a good time to visit?
Yes. Snow transforms the pass and the train journey is at its most dramatic. Alpine weather changes quickly in any season, so we plan each day around the conditions.
Customer Reviews
A full day of amazing scenery
We had a wonderful tour with Hugo. Everything was very well planned and executed. So convenient getting picked up at our Christchurch hotel, taking us to the train station in Christchurch and then meeting us when we arrived in Arthur Pass. Hugo was knowledgeable and shared points of interest with us throughout the day. He made us feel comfortable immediately. The train ride was great (loved that we had reserved seats and Hugo took care of getting our tickets), the stops we made after the train ride were excellent. Having lunch included is a nice touch- we even had tea/coffee and a snack in the afternoon (courtesy of Hugo) . Highly recommend this tour with Canterbury Trails.
One word - AMAZING!
We were very lucky to have our own personal guide with Manuela. She got us on the train with ease with many beautiful snaps from the train on the way to Arthur’s Pass. We had a couple of walks, lunch in the cafe - the scenery around us was amazing and Manuela was fun, informative and we’re very grateful for the experience.
