Arthur's Pass day tour from Christchurch via Castle Hill

Alpine passes, limestone rocks and a 131-metre waterfall in one day

A 10-hour guided tour from Christchurch through Arthur's Pass National Park and Castle Hill, led by a live English-speaking guide in a comfortable Mercedes Sprinter. You stop at limestone formations, glacial lakes, the Otira Viaduct, and Arthur's Pass Village, where you can walk to Devils Punch Bowl waterfall or explore the shops. The route includes lunch and snacks, and the guide adjusts activities based on weather and time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Arthur's Pass Day Tour Highlights

• Drive through Selwyn District
• Stop at Springfield for walks and sheep cuddles
• Optional jet boat experience on Waimakariri river
• Visit Lake Lyndon for views and bird watching
• Explore Castle Hill limestone rocks independently
• Stop at Lake Pearson for scenic views
• Visit Otira Viaduct Lookout for photos
• Arrive at Arthur’s Pass Village
• Walk to Devils Punch Bowl waterfall
• Return to Arthur’s Pass Village for coffee and shops
• Stop at Cave Stream for cave exploration
• Drive back via Porters Pass with scenic views

The experience

The tour departs Christchurch and heads west through the Selwyn District to Alpine Jet Thrills near Springfield, where you can walk along the Waimakariri river and see the surrounding landscape. From there you climb toward the Southern Alps, stopping at Lake Lyndon (a glacial lake at the base of Porters Pass known for its cold water and bird life) before reaching Castle Hill. This limestone field of weathered rocks sits on tussocky hills that were once underwater. The shapes you see today formed over time as the stone eroded. You explore on your own here, and climbers and boulderers often work the rocks nearby. The scenery inspired the filmmakers of The Chronicles of Narnia, which used nearby Flock Hill as a location.

Continuing higher, you reach Lake Pearson, the largest of three mountain lakes on the pass and a site of mahinga kai (food gathering) for local iwi. At the Otira Viaduct Lookout, also called Death's Corner, you see the 440-metre bridge that makes driving through Arthur's Pass possible. It's a strong spot for photos and a place to watch for Kea, the cheeky alpine parrot native to this region. You then arrive at Arthur's Pass Village, sitting at 740 metres above sea level. Your guide will tell you how much time remains and what the weather allows. You can either walk the Devils Punch Bowl track (about 1 hour, low to moderate fitness, through native beech forest to a 131-metre waterfall) or spend time in the village shops and cafés.

On the return to Christchurch, you stop briefly at Cave Stream, formed by water flowing through an underground passage for 594 metres: accessible to inexperienced cavers and worth a look. The final pass is Porters Pass at 939 metres, the third-highest highway in the South Island, where you see the Canterbury plains spread below as you descend. The vehicle is air-conditioned, WiFi is available on board, and you carry a packed lunch and snacks to eat whenever suits the day.

What’s included

• A packed lunch and kiwi classic snacks.
• bottled water.
• air-conditioned Mercedes Sprinter transport.
• WiFi on board.
• all fees and taxes.
• live English-speaking guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (4 to 14 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 17 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Cheeky Kea Tours

Is this one for you?Choose this shared tour if you want a full alpine day with a guide who adjusts the walking route based on weather and daylight, rather than following one fixed path regardless of conditions.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 14 years); Infant (under 4).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Castle Hill and why do people visit it?

Castle Hill, or Kura Tāwhiti, is a field of weathered limestone rocks on tussocky hills that were once underwater. The rocks have eroded into unique shapes over time, and the scenery inspired filmmakers working on The Chronicles of Narnia. Climbers and boulderers frequent the area, and you explore it on your own during the tour.

Can I walk to Devils Punch Bowl waterfall, or is it optional?

Devils Punch Bowl is optional. Your guide will let you know how much time remains and what the weather allows on the day, then help you choose the best activity. The walk to the waterfall takes about 1 hour with a gradual incline and steps, moving through bush and native beech forest at low to moderate fitness level. If time or conditions don't suit, you can spend time in Arthur's Pass Village instead.

What happens at the Otira Viaduct Lookout?

The Otira Viaduct Lookout, also called Death's Corner, offers views of Arthur's Pass National Park and the 440-metre bridge that makes driving through the pass possible. It's a strong spot for photos framing the viaduct and surrounding landscape, and you have a chance to spot Kea, New Zealand's alpine parrot, if you're lucky.

Is lunch included, and when do we eat?

A packed lunch and kiwi classic snacks are included. You can eat at any stage of the tour that suits you, so you choose when to stop and have your meal.

What should I prepare for in terms of weather?

Arthur's Pass is in an alpine region where weather is unpredictable, so prepare for all conditions. Your guide will adjust the day's activities based on what the weather brings and how much time remains.