Full day Arthur's Pass National Park and TranzAlpine train

Información

Board the world-famous TranzAlpine train, sit back and relax on a journey that will take you across the Canterbury Plains, wind its way through the stunning Waimakariri Gorge, pass over massive viaducts, through tussock-covered high country before heading into the Southern Alps.

At Arthur's Pass, your guide will take you through the National Park, where short walks can be made to experience forests, rivers and mountains vistas. Follow the old stage coach route and travel down the spectacular Otira Gorge, testament to the road builders of the 1860s and the route taken by Maori in their quest for greenstone. Departing Arthur's Pass, travel through the high country and a stop can be made to view Cave Stream where it burrows underground in an area of limestone cliffs and gorges, craggy outcrops and a setting of surrounding mountains.

The impressive Castle Hill rocks, unique weatherworn and rain-smoothed outcrops of limestone are seen from the highway and the more adventurous may wish to walk to the top of the rocks for magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. The return journey to Christchurch includes a visit to the Waimak Gorge, where the Waimakariri River enters the vast Canterbury Plains.

Meeting point: Christchurch accommodation.
Start time: 7.30am.
Duration: Ten hours.