Christchurch – Arthurs Pass National Park Day Tour

We invite you to join us on a tour of discovery, featuring spectacular alp scenery, a gentle bush walks through native beech forest in Arthurs Pass National Park

Please Note that the timings below are indicative only for cruise ships berth by 8 am or earlier. For all other cruise ships with a later arrival time in Lyttelton the excursion times will be adjusted to meet the cruise ships schedule.

08.45 Meet and greet in Lyttelton township for your Arthurs Pass Shore Excursion.

09.00 Depart Lyttelton and travel through the city of Christchurch, across the Canterbury Plains to the small rural township of Springfield located in the foothills of the Southern Alps. The tour continues by road through Porter Pass to a high country plateau with several small lakes and pasture land surrounded by high mountain peaks which are snow covered for around 9 months of the year. As you enter the Arthurs Pass National Park the road follows the famous TranzAlpine Railway into Arthurs Pass Village.

11.00 Arrive in Arthurs Pass Village and continue by road to the summit of the pass, travelling through dense native Beech Forest, from the summit the road descends steeply down the Otira Gorge to the old railway settlement of Otira. Approximately 20 years ago one of the largest engineering projects in the Southern Hemisphere was completed with the construction of the Otira Viaduct. The viewing platform at the top of the gorge provides great views of the viaduct with the Kea, a Native New Zealand parrot often in area. From this viewing platform the tour travels back to the village with a stop on route for a gentle bush work through the native New Zealand Beech Forest.

12.30 Time for Lunch at a local cafe in Arthurs Pass Village. (Own Expense)

13.30 The tour departs Arthurs Pass and retraces the route travelled in the morning via Kura Tāwhiti / Castle Hill Conservation Area. Here, you’ll have time to explore and photograph the spectacular limestone rock formations set against expansive high-country scenery.

16.30 Your tour returns you to Lyttelton township where your awaiting shuttle transfers you back to your cruise ship.

Tour Duration 8 hours approx

Please note that minimum numbers are required for this tour to proceed and times will be adjusted to meet the cruise ships schedule.

08.45 Meet and greet in Lyttelton township for your Arthurs Pass Shore Excursion.

09.00 Depart Lyttelton and travel through the city of Christchurch, across the Canterbury Plains to the small rural township of Springfield located in the foothills of the Southern Alps. The tour continues by road through Porter Pass to a high country plateau with several small lakes and pasture land surrounded by high mountain peaks which are snow covered for around 9 months of the year. As you enter the Arthurs Pass National Park the road follows the famous TranzAlpine Railway into Arthurs Pass Village.

11.00 Arrive in Arthurs Pass Village and continue by road to the summit of the pass, travelling through dense native Beech Forest, from the summit the road descends steeply down the Otira Gorge to the old railway settlement of Otira. Approximately 20 years ago one of the largest engineering projects in the Southern Hemisphere was completed with the construction of the Otira Viaduct. The viewing platform at the top of the gorge provides great views of the viaduct with the Kea, a Native New Zealand parrot often in area. From this viewing platform the tour travels back to the village with a stop on route for a gentle bush work through the native New Zealand Beech Forest.

12.30 Time for Lunch at a local cafe in Arthurs Pass Village. (Own Expense)

13.30 The tour departs Arthurs Pass and retraces the route travelled in the morning via Kura Tāwhiti / Castle Hill Conservation Area. Here, you’ll have time to explore and photograph the spectacular limestone rock formations set against expansive high-country scenery.

16.30 Your tour returns you to Lyttelton township where your awaiting shuttle transfers you back to your cruise ship.

Typical start time: 8.45am
Duration: 8 hours
Please note that minimum numbers are required for this tour to proceed and times will be adjusted to meet the cruise ships schedule.
Moderate walking ability recommended for short nature walks.
Weather in alpine regions can change quickly; bring a rain jacket and dress in layers.
Wear comfortable flat walking shoes.