Arthur's Pass tour: Southern Alps and Castle Hill highlights

Spend a full day crossing the Southern Alps without planning the route yourself

A private guided tour from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass combines a scenic drive or optional train ride through the Southern Alps, a stop at the village and optional guided walk to Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall, lunch at Lake Pearson, and exploration of Castle Hill Boulders on the return. Your guide handles transport and timing. You choose between the road route or the TranzAlpine Train.

Options for this experience

2 options

From NZ$ 849.50 per person, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

Road trip to Arthurs Pass 07:30 Guide in English Private guided tour of Arthurs Pass and Castle Hill, travelling from Christchurch by road. Lunch, snacks and hot or cold drinks are provided. Luxury Car for 1-3 people; Minivan for 4-8 people. Pickup is included.

Including TranzAlpine Train 07:30 Guide in English Includes the westbound TranzAlpine train to Arthur's Pass (Scenic Class) from Christchurch, with the return made by road. Lunch, snacks and hot or cold drinks are provided. Pickup is included.

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What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• a local guide in English.
• morning tea and coffee.
• lunch at Lake Pearson.
• all stops and exploration time at Lake Lyndon, Arthur's Pass village, and Castle Hill Boulders.

Times

• Every day 07:30

Before you book

Group Private

Live guide English

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. You can choose from 23 pickup points.

Ages Adult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (under 5): free

Cancellation and refunds Free 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.

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Adventure by Nature

Prices and times updated today

Traveler reviews

5.00 ★★★★★ Exceptional 3 verified traveler reviews

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The experience

If you've just landed in Christchurch or have a free day before heading south, this tour solves the problem of reaching the Southern Alps without renting a car or navigating the mountain passes yourself. The day starts early with a scenic drive toward Arthur's Pass, stopping first at Darfield's popular bakery, then Lake Lyndon, a peaceful alpine lake where you'll have morning tea with mountain views. The road climbs over Porters Pass and descends into Arthur's Pass village, where the landscape shifts to native bush and the waterfall becomes visible in the distance.

At Arthur's Pass, you choose how to spend your time: join a guided walk to Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall or wander the village and spot local wildlife. After a picnic lunch on the shores of Lake Pearson (Moana Rua), the tour heads back toward Christchurch but stops at Castle Hill Boulders, a surreal landscape of giant limestone formations where you can explore and photograph the dramatic rock formations before the final drive home. The whole day runs eight hours, and your guide (English-speaking and local) handles all the driving and knows where to stop.

An optional upgrade replaces the road journey to Arthur's Pass with a one-way ride on the TranzAlpine Train, one of the world's most scenic rail routes. If you choose this option, you'll board at 7:30 am and travel through Canterbury's plains and mountain passes by train. Your guide meets you in Arthur's Pass to continue the rest of the day. This option is subject to availability on your travel dates.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (under 5): free.

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 Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall and do I have to walk to it?

Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall is an impressive waterfall near Arthur's Pass village. A guided walk to see it is optional. You can also spend your time in the village or exploring the surrounding native bush tracks instead.

How much time do I spend at Castle Hill Boulders?

Castle Hill Boulders is a stop on the return journey to Christchurch where you have time to explore and photograph the giant limestone formations. The itinerary allows for exploration and photography amidst the dramatic landscape.

Can I choose the TranzAlpine Train instead of driving to Arthur's Pass?

Yes, the TranzAlpine Train is an optional upgrade that replaces the road journey. You'll board at 7:30 am and travel by scenic rail through the mountain passes. Your guide meets you in Arthur's Pass to continue the rest of the day. This option is subject to availability.

What's included in the tour?

The tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a local English-speaking guide, morning tea and coffee, lunch at Lake Pearson, and all stops at Lake Lyndon, Arthur's Pass, and Castle Hill Boulders.

Is this tour suitable if I'm not very fit?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The walking is optional. You can join a guided walk to Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall or stay in the village, and exploration at Castle Hill Boulders is at your own pace.