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Road on the way to Arthurs pass

Arthur's Pass Scenic Drive

Arthur's Pass Scenic Drive

Arthur's Pass National Park: An Insider's Journey with a Passionate Guide

Embark on an unforgettable small-group adventure (maximum of 8 guests) through the stunning landscapes of the Canterbury Plains to the breathtaking Arthur’s Pass National Park.

Our passionate and knowledgeable local guide will lead you on an immersive journey, sharing their expertise and love for this pristine wilderness.

Travel in style

Canterbury Trails Fleet of Vans
Mountain landscape with autumn foliage and clear blue sky

Kea flapping wings

scenery on the way

Wooden interior with large glass windows showing a forest view

Snow-capped mountains with a clear blue sky and green trees in the foreground.

Stone sign for Arthur's Pass National Park with mountains in the background

Upon arrival at Arthur's Pass village...

Conclude your journey....

Overlooking Waimakariri river

This personalised small-group tour offers a unique opportunity to experience Arthur's Pass National Park through the eyes of a local expert. With their passion for the region and dedication to providing an unforgettable experience, your guide will make this journey truly special.

Tour Inclusions:

  • Hotel pick up
  • Maximum of 8 guests per trip
  • Travel by luxury vehicle
  • Picnic style morning or afternoon tea (if weather permits).
  • Your guide will select appropriate walks for both fitness levels and weather conditions.
  • Cafe lunch in Arthurs Pass.
  • Fully escorted tour with local knowledgeable guide.
  • Hotel Drop off

Departure time: 8:30 am
Return: Approx. 5-5.30 pm.

Tour Code: AP01

Arthur's Pass Scenic Drive

Book Your Tour Now


Your tour includes:
  • Experienced, knowledgeable Guide
  • Pick up and drop off to your hotel
  • Multiple photo stops and short walks
  • Cafe Lunch
  • Afternoon Tea
  • An amazing, unforgettable experience!

The following is recommended:
  • Rain jacket
  • Sweater or jacket suitable for cooler weather.
  • Hat (type depending on weather)
  • Sunscreen (high SPF)
  • Sunglasses
  • Water bottle

NZ$755 per person, fully inclusive. Minimum two guests; children half price.

Frequently asked questions

How is this different from the TranzAlpine tour?

This tour travels through the Southern Alps by premium vehicle, giving you complete flexibility to stop wherever the views demand it. Our TranzAlpine tour covers similar country with one leg aboard the famous train.

What is included?

An expert driver-guide, pick up and drop off at your Christchurch accommodation, multiple photo stops and short walks, a cafe lunch and afternoon tea.

How much walking is involved?

Short, gentle walks at scenic highlights, always optional. Your guide chooses the best spots on the day for the weather and the group.

What will we see on the way?

The road to Arthur's Pass climbs past high country lakes and the remarkable limestone formations at Castle Hill. Your guide stops where the light and weather are at their best.

How many guests are on this tour?

Small group departures are capped at 8 guests. A fully private version of this tour is also available.

What should I bring?

A rain jacket, a warm layer, hat, sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen and a water bottle. Alpine weather can change quickly, even in summer.

Customer Reviews

  • A great day filled with beautiful vistas.

    My wife and I loved the guided tour to Arthur's Pass! New Zealand has seemingly endless mountain views and all the wonderful streams, waterfalls, forests and lakes to go with them. We really liked our guide Dave who knew lots of cool places to take us with unique sights and had lots of facts and stories about them all. In addition, he answered all kinds of questions we had on New Zealand in general and really gave us a taste of what life is like in this beautiful country. So in addition to a great day of hikes he helped us connect the day with the other areas we had been to on our trip..

  • Wonderful tour.

    The tour was outstanding, we had great tour guides for the duration and was a very enjoyable day. There was an issue with the train but the tour guides took care of everything immediately and ensured we enjoyed our tour. Beautiful country side and the scenery was amazing.

  • Our tour guides expertise and passion made the trip special!

    Great experience! We learned and saw so much! It is hard not to fall in love with the beauty
    of New Zealand and the warmth of its people!

  • An amazing trip!

    As a kiwi I highly recommend Canterbury Trails and the Trans alpine rail trip
    Joko was amazing and made us all feel safe and very informative
    Catering for all of our needs
    Amazing

Castle hill rocks