12 Train Journeys in Christchurch That Repay the Detour

1.TranzAlpine Train, Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 426 reviews · from $254Our pick

Travel from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass on the TranzAlpine, then return by guided minibus through the Southern Alps. You’ll stop at Otira Viaduct, Devils Punchbowl, Lake Pearson, and Castle Hill. Guides such as AJ and Anuj provide commentary, snacks, water, and help choosing walks. Expect a full 10-hour day with changing weather and a fair amount of road time.

“It was a fabulous day out. Our guide AJ was wonderful and explained everything perfectly. We would definitely recommend this tour.”

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2.Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Picton to Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 345 reviews · from $164Best value

Travel one way from Picton to Christchurch aboard the Coastal Pacific, one of New Zealand’s Great Journeys. Over about 5 hours and 40 minutes, you’ll pass vineyards, Pacific beaches, Kaikoura, farmland, and the Canterbury Plains. Panoramic windows, GPS-triggered commentary, comfortable seats, a viewing carriage, and an onboard café make this a scenic alternative to driving.

“Comfortable seats with beautiful views. Coastal views amazing. Good food and snacks. Very nice workers onboard. Downside, just this run were AC made it too cold and the train was 20+ minutes late which meant it was dark when we arrived. Also to know, the outdoor viewing car had no seating so I’d standing is an issue don’t go out there.”

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3.Arthur’s Pass Discovery and TranzAlpine Train – Small Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 272 reviews · from $555

Ride the TranzAlpine from Christchurch across the Canterbury Plains and Waimakariri Gorge to Arthur’s Pass. Your guide meets you there for short walks, Otira Gorge views, Cave Stream, Castle Hill, and lunch at a country hotel before driving you back. Groups are limited to eight, with guides such as Jock, Sue, Stu, Peter, and Hugo.

“Jock, our guide, was amazing. Our trip was altered due to the weather and he still made it fabulous. Arthur's Pass beautiful and the view from the train spectacular. He threw in an impromptu tour of Christchurch at the end as we hadn't had a chance to look around. Would thoroughly recommend this tour.”

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4.Arthur’s Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 270 reviews · 10 hours · from $245

Spend 10 hours crossing the South Island by TranzAlpine train and air-conditioned minibus. Your English-speaking guide, such as Anuj or Anush, handles the timing, commentary, snacks, and scenic stops. Expect alpine walks, waterfalls, Lake Pearson, Castle Hill’s limestone boulders, and a return drive packed with photo stops.

“Our tour guide Anuj was on time. He was very patient and informative. He has water and chocolate and chips for everyone. The van we got on was comfortable. The views are amaziiiiiiing. Need i more to say? It’s worth it. Every penny 🔥🔥🔥”

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5.Arthur’s Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 202 reviews · from $347

Travel from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass by TranzAlpine train, then explore the national park by air-conditioned vehicle with a local guide. Expect mountain views, short walks, Otira Viaduct, village time, and a working sheep farm with dogs, shearing, and afternoon tea. Guides may include Jude, Graham, Terry, Pete, Carmen, or Stephanie.

“A ton of activities packed into the day but definitely one to recommend. Stephanie was great and connected with us all. Three wonderful hikes with Cascade falls being incredible - worth the steps. Loved the small group and especially loved the experience at the farm learning about the life of working with sheep. And we got a great picture of a Kea.”

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6.Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christchurch with TranzAlpine

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 192 reviews · from $258

Spend 10 hours crossing Canterbury’s plains and the Southern Alps with guides such as Clive, Will, or Diana. Visit Castle Hill, Arthur’s Pass, waterfalls, rivers, and filming locations, then return to Christchurch on the TranzAlpine. Lunch, Kiwi snacks, water, Wi-Fi, and USB charging are included. Optional jet boating may be available on some departures.

“Our guide, Clive, was excellent and very knowledgeable about the locations. He was able to answer all our questions and threw in a few anecdotes and local stories to make things interesting. Loved the whole experience and sampled the different weather encountered on the east and west side of the mountains from sunny and warm to rainy and cold. Added to the adventure.”

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7.Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Christchurch to Picton

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 92 reviews · from $164

Travel 5 hours and 40 minutes from Christchurch to Picton aboard Great Journeys New Zealand’s Coastal Pacific train. You’ll follow 98km of rugged Kaikoura coastline, with Pacific views, soaring mountains, native bush, and chances to spot seals or dolphins. GPS-triggered commentary, viewing decks, toilets, and a café carriage are included onboard.

“Very enjoyable trip along the coast, viewing seals, dolphins and the sea scape. Train journey was very relaxing.”

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8.Tranz Alpine Train Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 92 reviews · from $465

Start with a 7:45 am pickup in central Christchurch, then ride the TranzAlpine from Springfield toward Arthur’s Pass National Park. You’ll have about 90 minutes for short walks, waterfalls, mountain views, and possible kea sightings before a homemade picnic and a car ride back. Groups are limited to seven, and guide Craig is praised for his relaxed, flexible style.

“Our guide Craig was incredible!! So knowledgeable about the history of the countryside and made our trip so special with his flexible relaxed style!”

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9.Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass Day Tour: TranzAlpine Train & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 90 reviews · from $273

Travel from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass in a small group with a Kiwi guide such as Clive, Jess, John, or Will. See Castle Hill, Lake Pearson, and Otira Viaduct, then walk to 131-meter Devil’s Punchbowl Falls before taking the TranzAlpine train back. Lunch, snacks, WiFi, hotel pickup, and a Mercedes Sprinter are included.

“Friendly, accomodating and great value. Jakob was fantastic as a guide and really helped us to get the most out of the day despite having injuries and limitations with walking. Snacks and lunch were included and were tasty. Definitely add on the jetboat, totally worth it. Highly recommend.”

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10.Arthur’s Pass with optional TranzAlpine Train (Small Group Tour)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · from $340

Travel from Christchurch into the Southern Alps in a group of no more than eight. Stop at Darfield, Springfield, Lake Lyndon, Arthur’s Pass, and Kura Tawhiti/Castle Hill. You can upgrade to the TranzAlpine train, enjoy lunch and snacks, and choose a guided walk near Arthur’s Pass.

“We went to castle hills, see the hills and did some exploring. Tour guide Ingi was fantastic. It is a bit pricey, it is better if Arthur s Pass is added.”

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11.Arthur’s Pass Tour From Christchurch via CHC-GRZ TranzAlpine

★★★★★★★★★★3.4 · 8 reviews · 13 hours · from $310

Ride the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth, then return by Mercedes Sprinter through Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill. Your English-speaking guide handles the long coach journey, with stops at Lake Lyndon, Cobden, and the Otira Viaduct. Guides including Grant, Logan, and Willem have led recent departures.

“The pick up was on time and the very friendly driver ensured we had everything before getting on the train. The train journey was amazing but the driver, Grant, on the coach back had so many interesting facts and observations about the area that it certainly finished the day off. The only hiccup was the pick up at Greymouth as it was not clearly shown. It was not a major issue as we only had a ten minute wait but clearer information would be helpful. Apart from that I would highly recommend the trip.”

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12.Arthur’s Pass Tour From Christchurch With Jet Boat & TranzAlpine

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · from $375

Travel from Christchurch in a small group of up to 16, with a 30-minute jet boat ride near Springfield, stops at Castle Hill, Lake Pearson, and the Otira Viaduct, time in Arthur’s Pass National Park, and a walk to Devils Punchbowl Falls. A guide such as Joseph adds local insight, while the TranzAlpine brings you back through the Southern Alps.

“Enjoyed this tour. I absolutely recommend doing it including the jet boat and alpine train for return! It might seem a bit boring without.”

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