Tours Christchurch

Nestled at the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana), Arthur’s Pass is steeped in history. Connecting the east and west coasts of Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, the route was originally established by iwi to trade pounamu (greenstone) before it became known to surveyors such as Arthur Dudley Dobson who would later colonise its status in 1864. Home of the world’s only truly alpine parrot and our namesake, the Kea, the now National Park’s dramatic terrain, powerful waterfalls, unique fauna, native Beech forest, and engineering feats make it a popular destination for hikers and sightseers alike.
So why not join us as we travel the Great Alpine Highway through the Canterbury plains, across braided rivers, and past famous filming locations to explore the jaw dropping geology and geography of Castle Hill and Arthur’s Pass. You will be driven in comfort by our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the trip that bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides, this journey is one you will never forget!
As this tour operates in an alpine region, the weather can be unpredictable so please prepare for all conditions. Please note that this tour is not suitable as a shore excursion, and runs in reverse during the winter months.

Highlights and inclusions:

• Small group size
• Carbon neutral tour of Arthur’s Pass from Christchurch
• Picture perfect scenery - including Lakes Pearson and Lydon, and Cave Stream
• Castle Hill
• Breath taking views - including of the Otira Viaduct and Porters Pass
• Chance to spot Kea in the wild!
• Lunch, bottled water, and Kiwi snacks
• WiFi and USB charging
• Commentary
• 100% Kiwi as experience

Itinerary:

Christchurch – We start by leaving Ōtautahi Christchurch, also known as New Zealand's Garden City. As we head inland, our knowledgeable guide will point out some of the central city highlights.

Selwyn District - On our way, we will drive through the region’s Selwyn District; an important home to some of New Zealand’s key agricultural and horticultural industries.

Springfield/Alpine Jet Thrills (45 minutes) - Continuing further, you will be greeted by Springfield, where we will then make our turn off towards the team at Alpine Jet Thrills. Here there are walks, views of the Waimakariri river, and sheep cuddles to enjoy. Looking for more adventure? Add on a 30 minute thrilling jet boat experience on one of the region’s most famous rivers (extra booked and sold separately).

Lake Lyndon (5 minutes) - Next up we stop at Lake Lyndon. Nestled at the base of Porters Pass, Lyndon, or Te Hāpua Waikawa, is popular amongst jetboaters, bird watchers, and brave swimmers. It is known as one of this area's colder lakes.

Castle Hill (1 hour) - Castle Hill, or Kura Tāwhiti, is perhaps one of Canterbury’s most distinguishable settings. Famous for its scenery that would later inspire Middle Earth™, nearby Flock Hill, who Castle Hill shares its geology with, went on to become one of the filming locations used for The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. The weathered limestone rocks sit proudly abreast the tussocky hills that were once in the ocean. Over time they have eroded away, forming the amazing unique shapes you see today. While you walk amongst the rocks, you might catch a glimpse of climbers and boulderers who frequent the area. Please note that this is not a guided walk, so you will be left to explore this piece of beauty on your own.

Lake Pearson (5 minutes) - Ōpōrea, or Lake Pearson, is the largest of three mountain lakes on the pass. This picturesque glacial lake is surrounded by the Southern Alps, and is a popular spot for swimmers, fishing and visitors. Significantly, the lake was, and is still used as a site of mahinga kai (food gathering) for local iwi.

Otira Gorge Lookout (15 minutes) - Also known as Death's Corner, the Otira Viaduct Lookout is an amazing spot to see the National Park in all its glory. This bridge is the only reason that driving through Arthur’s Pass is possible today. At 440 metres long, it is a true feat of engineering. The lookout is a great spot for a photo framing viaduct and the surrounding landscape. Keep your eyes peeled at this stop! With a bit of luck, you might even see a wee Cheeky Kea - New Zealand’s sneaky alpine parrot!

Arthur’s Pass Village (1 hour) - We depart the lookout and head towards Arthur’s Pass Village. Located 740 metres above sea level, you will be able to experience the majestic Southern Alps up close. Once we arrive, you can choose to either walk to Devils Punch Bowl, or grab a coffee and spend some time exploring the local shops.
Devils Punch Bowl - This walking track is approximately 1 hour long, with a gradual incline (including steps) towards a ferocious 131 metre tall waterfall. Fitness is low to moderate as you walk through the bush and native beech forest.
Please note that depending on time, your guide will let you know how long you have and will assist you on the day in regard to the best activity for the weather and time allocated.


Cave Stream (15 minutes) - As we begin our trip back to Christchurch, we make a brief stop at Cave Stream. Formed by the cave’s stream that flows through an underground passage for 594 metres, the cave can be accessed by inexperienced cavers and is pretty incredible to look at and explore.

Porters Pass - With an elevation of 939 metres, Porters Pass is another mountain pass located deep in Kā Tiritiri o te Moana. Experience breathtaking views of the Canterbury plains as you weave your way back across the third-highest highway in Te Waipounamu (the South Island).

Christchurch - As we exit Porters Pass, we make our way back to the Garden City. Sit back and relax after a wonderful day exploring Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill. With your camera roll full, this day will definitely be something to brag about!

Please note additional stops are taken into consideration for toilet breaks.
We at Cheeky Kea Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey, and all those little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complimentary refreshments, and many other fun surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.
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Get ready for a one-of-a-kind authentic Kiwi experience with our famously passionate guides, renowned for their engaging stories and rich local knowledge. Travel in modern, comfortable minibuses, fully equipped with amenities to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the trip.

Lunch is provided on this tour.

Highlights:

• Cardrona Valley Pub
• Lake Hāwea
• Lake Wānaka (including the Wānaka Tree) 
• Blue Pools (Temporarily Closed)
• Thunder Falls
• Ship Creek
• Bruce Bay
• Lake Matheson

Itinerary:

1. Queenstown

Your tour begins in the stunning city of Queenstown. As we depart, your guide will set the scene for your journey, pointing out and providing insights into some of the area's top highlights.

2. Cardrona Hotel

Located on the spectacular Crown Range Road between Queenstown and Wānaka, the Cardrona Hotel is one of New Zealand's oldest and most iconic hotels. Its rustic charm, spectacular mountain setting and rich history make it a must-see in Central Otago.

3. Wānaka

We’ll stroll down to the lakeside for that iconic photo of the Wānaka Tree. Soak in the beauty of this expansive lake, backdropped by Mt Aspiring and the Southern Alps—a paradise for photographers.

4. Lake Hāwea

Crossing the mighty Clutha River, we'll head westward past the stunning Lake Hāwea. We'll stop for a quick photo at a lookout point between Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea.

5. Blue Pools (Temporarily Closed)

Located in Mt Aspiring National Park, the aptly named Blue Pools are a must-see. This easy 3km round trip is well worth the effort to witness the breathtaking blue waters of the Makarora River.

6. Thunder Creek Falls

An easy 5-minute walk will reward you with a spectacular view of Thunder Creek Falls. This 28-metre waterfall, a remnant of a once-great glacier, pours from a hanging valley.

7. Hard Antler

Here we will stop at the Hard Antler where you will have 45 minutes to enjoy lunch.

8. Ship Creek

As we head north along the border where ancient rainforest meets the ocean, we’ll stop at Ship Creek. Dig your toes in the sand and feel the crash of the relentless waves of the Tasman Sea. Explore the dunes via an easy 1km walking track.

9. Bruce Bay

Here, thick native rainforest meets the seemingly endless open ocean. Bruce Bay truly showcases the best of the West Coast!

10. Lake Matheson

We continue to every photographer's dream: Lake Matheson. On a calm day, you can capture Mt Cook reflected elegantly across this picturesque lake. This 4.4km/90-minute easy walk will reward you with breathtaking views of the Southern Alps.

10. Franz Josef

We'll pass many glacial rivers as we journey past Fox Glacier to our destination of Franz Josef. Our guide will drop you at any central accommodation in either Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. If you are continuing to Christchurch the next day, your guide will pick you up from your hotel to carry on the journey.

Inclusions:

• Small Group
• Fully Guided Tour
• Lunch
• Water available & snacks provided

Situated in the heart of the South Island, Christchurch, or Ōtautahi, is a stellar example of what happens when urban innovation collides with nature, heritage, and culture. Following the devastating earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 and subsequent rebuild projects, the city has been revitalised to become one of the world’s most agreeably unique destinations. With plenty to see and do from the mountains to the sea, the city is a great place to base yourself while exploring the wider regional highlights, such as Akaroa, Kaikoura, and Hanmer Springs.

So why not join us as we travel the Great Alpine Highway from New Zealand’s west to east coast, experiencing the very best of what the Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana) and rugged West Coast has to offer as we make our way to Christchurch on this 1 way tour. From the jaw dropping geology and geography of Castle Hill and Arthur’s Pass to the picturesque Hokitika Gorge and Lake Ianthe, there will be panoramic views from every angle. You will be driven in comfort by our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the trip that bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides and including transfer from Greymouth to Christchurch aboard the world famous TranzAlpine, this journey is one you will never forget! 

Highlights and inclusions:

• Small group size
• Carbon neutral 1 way tour to Christchurch from Franz Josef
• Greymouth to Christchurch train tour aboard the world famous TranzAlpine
• Picture perfect scenery - including of Cobden Breakwater and Lake Ianthe
• Hokitika - including the option to visit the Hokitika Gorge
• Lunch, bottled water, and Kiwi snacks
• WiFi and USB charging
• Commentary
• 100% Kiwi as experience

Itinerary:

Franz Josef - We start by leaving Franz Josef, or Kā Roimata o Hinehukatere, and head north along State Highway 6 towards our first stop.

Lake Ianthe (5 minutes) - Surrounded by hills and native podocarp forests with a large flax swamp at its southern end, the lake is an important home for endangered wetland species such as the Great Crested Grebe. Situated in a former glacial trough, the lake is surrounded by a moraine and flows into the Wanganui River via Ianthe Creek. We make a brief stop here for photos before continuing through to Hokitika.

Hokitika (1 hour 30 minutes) - This ‘Cool Little Town’ is famous for its rugged black sand and driftwood laden coastline. After a brief photo stop at the beach to take in the surf and views of the Tasman Sea, you have the option to again explore the local shops or join the group on a trip to the Hokitika Gorge.

Hokitika Gorge (1 hour) - Perhaps one of the West Coast’s most iconic and photographed spots, on a fine day, its striking turquoise waters frame a distinct contrast from the mature native podocarp forest that borders it. With various lookout points offering different angles of the enchanting river, it is an incredibly popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. The track itself is easy and undulating. 

Cobden Breakwater* (5 minutes) - Located just a short drive away from the centre of Greymouth, Cobden is a beach break with a rock breakwater at its southern end, producing incredible waves that pound right up against the structure. It’s a rugged but picturesque photo spot.

Greymouth and the TranzAlpine (GRZ-CHCH) - Upon arrival in Greymouth, our guide will drop you off at the Greymouth Train Station. As the largest town in the Westland region, Greymouth, or Māwhera, is home to about 14,000 people. Framed by chiseled cliff tops, wild beaches, the Grey River and the picturesque Grey Valley, this charming destination is not only a beautiful spot, but a key transit hub and community for the West Coast. It is here that you will catch the TranzAlpine and return to Christchurch. Enjoy the views from the train’s open air carriage as you travel through the 8km long Otira tunnel, around horseshoe bends, past high country stations and alpine lakes, and across braided rivers. This ever-changing landscape is beautiful all year round, allowing you to sit back and relax and take it all in.

Christchurch - Upon arrival in Christchurch, our guide will pick you up from the train station before dropping you off at your pick up point. With your camera roll full, this day will definitely be something to brag about!

Please note additional stops are taken into consideration for toilet breaks. The TranzAlpine’s departure from Greymouth is 2:15pm and arrival into Christchurch is 7pm. However, the service can experience delays so please bear this in when booking this product. This may mean that you might not be able to have time for the views in Cobden. Please be aware and patient if this occurs. As the train’s operators, Great Journeys are the first point of contact if you experience any issues while aboard the TranzAlpine.

See More, Do More, Spend Less.