Spectacular Half-Day TranzAlpine Excursion Christchurch to Christchurch

Spectacular Half-Day TranzAlpine Excursion Christchurch to Christchurch

Tour through the Canterbury Plains, with a lunch stop on route at Terrace Downs resort. If time and weather permits, a short walk should you wish, to view the rock formations. Head west through Arthur's Pass to the Otira Viaduct lookout. Spot a cheeky "Kea”. Return to Arthur's Pass and board the famous TranzAlpine train.The train journey between Arthur's Pass and Springfield is the most scenic as the train clings and descends the cliffs following the aqua blue Waimakariri River. Travel through 15 short tunnels and over 4 dramatic viaducts, including the Staircase viaduct. On arrival into Springfield, you will disembark the train and meet your driver for the short trip back to Christchurch .

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Arthur's Pass National Park, Arthur's Pass National Park, Canterbury Region, South Island

Head west through the heartland of the Canterbury Plains before traversing the main divide to Arthur’s Pass National Park. The heart of the Southern Alps. Its high mountains with large scree slopes, steep gorges and wide braided rivers straddle the main divide, and are the ‘back bone’ of the South Island. Here you will have to time to view the Otira viaduct, you might even see a cheeky Kea, New Zeland's very own native parrot.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Castle Hill, Castle Hill, Canterbury Region, South Island

On arrival at Castle Hill, weather dependent you can stroll through the natural limestone structures. Marvel at the formations with visions of "Chronicles of Narnia" and "The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe"

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Terrace Downs Spa, Coleridge Rd Terrace Downs Resort, Windwhistle 7572 New Zealand

As you travel through the Canterbury Plains you will reach "Terrace Downs" based in the foothills, here you will have the opportunity to purchase and view the outstanding surroundings.

Duration: 30 minutes