{"requestStatus":{"success":true,"version":"v1"},"product":{"productType":"DAYTOUR","name":"Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christchurch via Castle Hill (Small Group, Carbon Neutral)","shortDescription":"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.","description":"

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:


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. 

See More, Do More, Spend Less

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Please be ready 10 minutes prior. Guests not present at their pick-up location will be marked as a NO SHOW. Drivers cannot wait for late passengers. Missed pick-ups are non-refundable.

1st January 2026 - 30th April 2026 + 1st October 2026 - 30th April 2027 pick ups

7:55am – Hotel Elms

8:03am - Scenic Hotel Cotswold

8:08am - Sudima City

8:10am - Crowne Plaza

8:12am - Novotel City

8:14am - Distinction Christchurch

8:17am - Christchurch City Hotel

8:20am - Bus Interchange (Intercity stop, Lichfield Street, opposite Fresh Choice)

8:24am - BreakFree

8:27am - Rydges Latimer

8:30am - Urbanz

8:33am - Fino

8:35am - The George

8:40am -  Hotel Give

8:55am - Commodore Christchurch Airport

9:00am - Sudima Christchurch Airport


1st May 2026 - 30th September 2026 pick ups

Available on request, contact us directly for a time - Sudima Christchurch Airport

Available on request, contact us directly - Commodore Christchurch Airport

6:40am – Hotel Elms

6:48am - Scenic Hotel Cotswold

6:53am - Sudima City

6:55am - Crowne Plaza

6:57am - Novotel City

6:59am - Distinction Christchurch

7:02am - Christchurch City Hotel

7:05am - Bus Interchange (Intercity stop, Lichfield Street, opposite Fresh Choice)

7:09am - BreakFree

7:12am - Rydges Latimer

7:15am - Urbanz

7:18am - Fino

7:20am - The George

7:25am -  Hotel Give


Not all locations are scheduled for pick up. If you need to change your pick-up location, please contact us at least 24 hours prior to departure to avoid delays.","languages":["en_us"],"tags":["SUITABILITY:Day Time","SUITABILITY:Family","AGE:Infant","INTEREST:Sightseeing","ACCESSIBILITY:Vision Impaired","CATEGORY:Day Tours","SUITABILITY:Only Men","SUITABILITY:Only Women","SUITABILITY:Schools","SUITABILITY:Groups","SKILL_LEVEL:Beginner","INTEREST:Relaxation","ACCESSIBILITY:Hearing Impaired","AGE:Child","SUITABILITY:Any Weather","SUITABILITY:Only Adults","INTEREST:Family","ACCESSIBILITY:Paraplegic","AGE:Adult","ACCESSIBILITY:Asthmatic","SUITABILITY:Gift Voucher","ACCESSIBILITY:Quadriplegic","AGE:Teenager","AGE:Senior","INTENSITY:Relaxed","ACCESSIBILITY:Epileptic","TYPE:Tour"],"taxes":[{"supplierId":142590,"label":"GST","taxFeeType":"TAX","taxType":"PERCENT","taxPercent":15.0,"priceInclusive":true,"compound":false}],"productSeoTags":[{"metaType":"TITLE","attrKey":"title","attrValue":"Arthurs Pass Tour","productCode":"P11UWQ"},{"metaType":"NOINDEX","attrKey":"noindex","attrValue":"0","productCode":"P11UWQ"},{"metaType":"META_NAME","attrKey":"description","attrValue":"Arthurs Pass tours\r\nCave stream tours\r\nCastle Hill Tours\r\nHow to get to Castle hill\r\nJetboating near Christchurch\r\ntranzalpine tour\r\nhow to get to Arthurs Pass\r\n","productCode":"P11UWQ"}],"waitListingEnabled":true,"isApiBookingSupported":true,"isMultiProductBookingSupported":true}}