Christchurch to Arthurs Pass Day Excursion

The Christchurch to Arthurs Pass day excursion is a scenic rail journey on the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Arthurs Pass National Park located in the through the Southern Alps.

Travelling west crossing the Canterbury Plains, the train slowly ascends through spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River towards the Southern Alps to the alpine village of Arthurs Pass - the administrative centre for the Arthurs Pass National Park.

You'll have five hours to view the displays at the National Park Visitors Centre, then go on your alpine adventure on the many forest park walks in Arthur's Pass National Park before you return to Christchurch.

The TranzAlpine train carriages have advanced air bag suspension system for quieter and smoother travel, un-tinted, non-reflective, panoramic side and roof windows to capture the dramatic coastal and mountain views of the South Island, GPS triggered journey commentary in five languages at your seat via passenger headphones, plus overhead information displays.

Each carriage is centrally heated in winter and air conditioned in summer, washroom/toilet facilities, '2 Seat-Aisle-2 Seat' forward facing seats with head rests or 'Table Group' (4 people around a table) seating allowing to experience the amazing views of the magnificent North Island, through panoramic side and roof windows, while enjoying the company of other passengers.

The TranzAlpine train has a café carriage offering a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, snacks and light meals and an open viewing carriage for views of the Southern Alps and alpine rain forest landscape of the South Island's west coast. 

The Christchurch to Arthurs Pass train day excursion is a reserved seating 'One Class/ Non-smoking' service.

The Christchurch to Arthurs Pass train day excursion operates daily, departing Christchurch 8.15am and returns to Christchurch 6.05pm.

This train day excursion does not operate on Christmas Day - 25 December.

Departs Christchurch 8.15am and returns Christchurch 6.05pm.

For online fares and reservations.

This train is a reserved seating 'One Class/Non-smoking' service.