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Explore the Tranz Alpine Train Tour in Christchurch City Centre
Enjoy a wonderful full-day tour from Christchurch that takes you by train to Arthurs Pass and into the National Park, where you’ll do short walks to see alpine mountain flowers and incredible mosses in this high-rainfall area; the trip includes plenty of photo stops and scenic views. You’ll savor a two-course homemade picnic prepared from produce grown in my organic garden glasshouse-wholemeal walnut bread with a selection of fillings and, depending on season, a homemade soup or dessert-served at a scenic location. The tour departs at 7.45am and returns at 5.15pm with Central City pick-ups available, is aimed at small numbers and can be tailored to your group or family; although not always private it often suits family groups and can be chartered with a bus if needed. On the return you’ll travel via Highway 73, passing beautiful lakes and limestone formations, and you can optionally add a jet boat trip on the Waimakariri River or a farm visit featuring sheep dogs and a shearing demonstration followed by a homemade afternoon tea in the Woolshed.
About this activity in Christchurch City Centre
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. no refund is available for cancellations.
Highlights
- Experience the iconic TranzAlpine rail journey from Springfield to Arthurs Pass, one of the world’s most scenic train rides through the Southern Alps.
- Explore Arthurs Pass National Park with short, accessible walks to see alpine flowers, ancient mosses and high‑rainfall forest scenery.
- Enjoy a homemade two‑course picnic made from the host’s organic garden produce - wholemeal walnut bread, seasonal fillings and a soup or dessert depending on season.
- Return via Highway 73 with multiple photo stops past pristine lakes and striking limestone formations; optional add‑ons include a Waimakariri River jet‑boat or farm visit with a shearing and sheepdog demo.
Important Information
- The full‑day tour runs approximately 7:45am–5:15pm and is designed for small groups; the host can tailor the itinerary and can charter a larger vehicle if needed.
- Central Christchurch pick‑ups are available for convenience - exact pickup location and final meeting details are confirmed at booking.
- The tour includes several short, easy walks suitable for most fitness levels; let the operator know if you need an infant seat or other assistance.
- You’ll have plenty of stops for photography and nature viewing across the region; optional extras (jet boat or farm visit with afternoon tea) can be added when you book.
Meeting Point
Central Christchurch pick‑up is available - the precise meeting point (hotel or central city location) will be confirmed when you book. If you prefer a different meeting spot, discuss this with the operator ahead of time.
Includes
- Private transportation included - travel comfortably from Christchurch to your activity with private transfer options tailored to your booking.
- TranzAlpine train segment available: Springfield to Arthurs Pass - enjoy a scenic rail experience as part of your journey in the region.
- Seasonal homemade picnic lunch sourced from my vege garden - you’ll receive housegrown produce when available, with a menu that may include wholemeal walnut bread, two meats, cheeses, homemade salad, tomatoes, avocados, dressings and chutneys.
- Home-baked options and homemade treats - depending on season, expect freshly baked wholemeal walnut bread and either a homemade soup or dessert included with the picnic.
Other
- Public transportation options are available nearby - you can access local buses and trains easily when you’re in Christchurch and the surrounding area.
- Specialized infant seats available - request infant seating for safer travel when you book transfers or transport.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels - the experience is designed to accommodate a wide range of abilities so you can enjoy the activity in this destination.
Customer Reviews
10/10
Based on 10 Reviews
Summary:
Great way to see some of the most beautiful parts of the South Island. Booking, check in etc was easy and professional - staff were helpful and friendly. Announcements on the train were helpful, letting you know when everything would be open or closed (ie cafe, open air viewing care) etc. Plenty of space to stretch out in comfy seats. Loved the open air viewing car - great for getting some epic pictures. Was happy that it ran to its scheduled time, as I had a bus tour departing immediately after the train arrived. Only downside is not being able to select your seats yourself - they are auto assigned during check in. But I did not find this a problem, as there were great views on both sides of the train, and I enjoyed popping out to the open are carriage for things on the opposite side of the train. Going in winter time meant the train was only half full, and snow was on the mountains - so I'd recommend going July to September.
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Summary:
The standard of service in Scenic Plus and the quality of the food provided was superb.
The staff were courteous, welcoming and went above and beyond to ensure their customers had an amazing experience, we certainly did.
A special thanks to Joely for her constant smiley face and her professional interaction with everyone.
A very memorable trip.
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Summary:
The train is similar to the Glacier Express in Switzerland as it has the same large
windows for viewing the great scenery. You can download an app which describes the different areas as you pass them. A monitor in each carriage shows where you are on the journey.
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Know more about Christchurch City Centre
You’ll enjoy one of the world’s famous train journeys on the TranzAlpine from Springfield to Arthurs Pass, followed by visits in Arthurs Pass National Park with short walks to see alpine mountain flowers and lush mosses. The day includes scenic photo stops, roadside limestone formations and lakes along Highway 73 on the return, making it an ideal Outdoor & Nature and Tours & Sightseeing trip from Christchurch.
Yes - you can choose optional add-ons such as a jet boat trip on the Waimakariri River or a farm visit that features sheep dogs, a shearing demonstration and a homemade afternoon tea in the Woolshed, allowing you to tailor the day for Adventure & Thrill, Water-Based or Family & Kids experiences.
Yes - the National Park visits include short, accessible walks designed for all physical fitness levels so you can enjoy alpine flowers, mosses and scenic viewpoints. There are plenty of photo stops along the TranzAlpine route and Highway 73 for landscape and nature photography enthusiasts.
Your two-course homemade picnic is prepared with produce grown in the host’s organic garden glasshouse and includes wholemeal walnut bread that is baked on-site, a selection of fillings with two meats and cheeses, homemade salads, tomatoes, avocados, dressings and chutneys, plus a seasonal homemade soup or dessert.
The tour departs at 7:45am and returns at 5:15pm with central city pick ups available. It’s aimed at small numbers and usually suits family groups, but can be chartered with a bus if needed. Public transportation options are available nearby and specialized infant seats can be provided.
All sales are final and no refund is available for cancellations, so please confirm your plans before booking. The tour is flexible in content and can often be tailored to guest wishes, though it may not always be private.