TranzAlpine Train, Arthur’s Pass and Jet Boat Ride

For this tour, you will be picked up from your hotel in Christchurch in the morning and then journey by road through the pastoral scenes of the Canterbury Plains.

At Springfield, board the world famous TranzAlpine train, acknowledged as ‘one of the top 10 train journeys in the world’. A commentary is given during the journey and there are open observation cars where you can take photos.

After leaving Springfield, the train begins to climb into the Southern Alps. Look out of the panoramic windows to see splendid views of the magnificent Waimakiriri River gorge to the right. As it climbs, the train crosses a series of steel girder bridges over deep canyons and through a series of short tunnels. The highest viaduct is the famous 'Staircase', 73 metres above the river.

On reaching Arthur’s Pass you will leave the train and re-board your coach. Follow an old stage-coach route over the snow-capped Southern Alps to the Otira Gorge and Viaduct where you make a photo stop. The splendid Otira Viaduct is 440m long, earthquake proofed, and elegantly curved to blend harmoniously with its surroundings.

Visit the old village of Otira before returning to Arthur’s Pass for lunch at the Wobbly Kea Restaurant. Your meal includes a starter of “Soup of the Day”, followed by a main course choice of Bangers and Mash, Beer Battered Fish, Caesar Salad or a vegetarian pasta. Tea or coffee is included.

After lunch you can explore the village and take a stroll through the bush. The return journey to Christchurch is by road, stopping for an exhilarating 30 minute jet boat ride through the spectacular Waimak canyon on the snow-fed Waimakariri River. Feel the adrenalin pumping as your experienced captain performs high speed spins and manoeuvres.

After the jet-boating adventure, a visit will be made to a farm for late afternoon tea, followed by a sheep shearing and sheep mustering demonstration.

At the end of the day you will be dropped back at your hotel in Christchurch.