Tranz Alpine Train Tour
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Non-refundable booking. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 94 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Tranz Alpine Train Tour worth booking?
Tranz Alpine Train Tour is a 9-hour experience in Christchurch, New Zealand, from $535 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 94 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (94)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $535 per person
A wonderful day tour to Arthurs Pass which includes a train journey on one of the worlds famous train journeys, a visit to the National Park including some short walks to see the mountain flowers and incredible mosses in
What you get
- Private transportation
- Tranz Alpine Train Springfield to Arthurs Pass
- Lunch
About this experience
A wonderful day tour to Arthurs Pass which includes a train journey on one of the worlds famous train journeys, a visit to the National Park including some short walks to see the mountain flowers and incredible mosses in this high rainfall area. A delicious 2 course homemade picnic, scenic location and much grown in my Organic garden glasshouse. I bake Wholemeal Walnut bread and a selection of fillings and dependent on season make homemade soup or dessert.Lots of photo stops and short walks on the return via Highway 73 passing many beautiful lakes & limestone formations. As an option can add on jet boat trip on Waimakariri River or a farm visit including sheep dogs and shearing demonstration followed by a homemade afternoon tea in the Woolshed. Tour leaves at 7.45am and returns at 5.15pm. Central City pick ups ok. Tour is aimed at small numbers. Happy to tailor it to guests wishes and although not always private usually caters for family groups.Can charter and drive a bus if needed.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Tranz Alpine Train Springfield to Arthurs Pass
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
I pick up guests from around the city centre and drive across to the foothills and guests ride The Tranz Alpine train from Sprinfield Station as far as Arthurs Pass National Park.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Arthur's Pass Walking Track
When guests alight from the train we enjoy around 1 and a half hours hiking and sightseeing in the Arthurs Pass National Park. Enjoy some short walks and viewing some stunning waterfalls, the Alpine Parrot the Kea we see most days and some Alpine plants depending on the season as well as visiting the Arthurs Pass National Park Visitors centre. Then we enjoy a homemade picnic lunch in a scenic location.
120 minutes here · Admission included
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Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Christchurch
Please e mail me and arrange a rendezvous point within the city centre.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
Please e mail me and arrange a rendezvous point within the city centre.
Options you can book
Tranz Alpine Train Tour
Tranz Alpine Day Tour
Hiking in Arthurs Pass : I have concession for several tracks in the Arthurs Pass National Park and happy to enjoy a couple of hours hiking. Personalised Guiding service: This is a tailor made tour to suit clients wishes. Duration: 10 hours 2 course Homemade picnic lunch Christchurch to Arthurs Pass : Journey to Arthurs Pass is on the Tranz Alpine and then we enjoy hiking in the National Park and return via State Highway 73. Toyota Hi Ace : 7 guests can ride in my Hi Ace Van. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- ja, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- J Craig Rome
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 94 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
10 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
6 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Value for money
4 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
94 verified traveler reviews for Tranz Alpine Train Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Scenic plus
An experience to remember; great service, lovely views and excellent food and drinks. Very well organised by the team : thank you Downloaded the app and commentary which was very interesting
via Tripadvisor
The highlight of our visit to NZ
Check-in for the train was very efficient and friendly and the porter even offered to come to our hire car and unload our case for us. We had upgraded to Scenic Plus which was effectively first class. Throughout the amazing journey through incredible scenery the drinks kept flowing and the meal was very tasty. The service we received from the ladies on board was fantastic. We also had our own dedicated viewing carriage to get close up and personal with the landscape and take pictures that weren’t through glass. I can’t recommend this trip more and we will always remember the experience from checking in until leaving the train.
via Tripadvisor
Poor service and seat choice
We received poor service beginning to end. Ended up in a seat going backwards with a restricted view. Despite asking to change as this makes me travel sick, they would not change it despite several requests. We paid extra for scenic plus and based on this service I would not recommend it.
via Tripadvisor
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views.
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.
via Tripadvisor
Worth every penny.
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.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
- Price range
- $535 to $750
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 33
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Tranz Alpine Train Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Christchurch.
How much does Tranz Alpine Train Tour cost?
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Prices start at $535 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Christchurch usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Tranz Alpine Train Tour take?
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Plan for about 9 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Christchurch is not rushed.
Is Tranz Alpine Train Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 94 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable family friendly in Christchurch, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Tranz Alpine Train Tour?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Tranz Alpine Train Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Tranz Alpine Train Tour?
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Around 33 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Christchurch can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Christchurch and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Tranz Alpine Train Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Christchurch within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Christchurch?
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On Outty we rank every Christchurch experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip, Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch, Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Christchurch?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Christchurch?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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