Overview
You will be picked up from your accommodation and transferred to Arthur's Pass either by TranzAlpine train or minicoach depending on your tour choice. Your journey will take you west across the rich agricultural belt of the Canterbury Plains to Springfield where you will have the opportunity to take photos of the mountains rising above you. For those taking the train the journey through the gorge is spectacular before you make your way to the high mountains of the Southern Alps and Arthur's Pass.
Tour Options
There are 4 options for your day trip to Arthur's Pass. Your choice will depend on whether you wish to take the world famous TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass village and whether you want to do a number of short nature walks or take a longer 2-4 hour hike in the National Park.
The distance covered will depend on the fitness of the guests and weather conditions.
AP01 - Drive/drive with Scenic Nature Tour and Short Walks
AP02 - Train/drive with TranzAlpine Train and Scenic Nature Tour and Short Walks
AP03 - Drive/drive with 2-4 hour Guided Hike in Arthur's Pass National Park
AP04 - Train/drive with 2-4 hour Guided Hike in Arthur's Pass National Park
Having arrived with or been met by your guide at Arthur's Pass village you will have the opportunity to:
- View the Waimakariri River and bits unique braided river system
- Enter Arthur's Pass National Park where short walks (AP01 and AP02) or a longer hike (AP03 and AP04) can be taken to experience forests, rivers and mountain vistas
- Enjoy lunch at an historic high country hotel (AP01 and AP02) or packed lunch (AP03 and AP04)
- Follow the old stage coach route and travel down the spectacular Otira Gorge, testament to the road builders of the 860's and the route taken by the Maori in their quest for greenstone
- View Cave Stream where it burrow underground in an area of limestone cliffs, gorges and craggy outcrops. This area was also used for the filming of CS Lewis's - "The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe"
OR
Visit the incredible Castle Hill rocks, unique weatherworn rain smoother outcrops of limestone and regarded sacred by the Maori
- Return to Christchurch via sub-alpine Porter's Pass and the Canterbury Plains
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