It was a seamless experience from start to finish. From meeting our friendly Kiwi driver/guide Stuart at our Christchurch hotel for the transfer to Christchurch Railway Station, to boarding the TranzAlpine Train for the journey to Arthur's Pass and the return to our hotel at the end of the day, everything was exceptionally well organised and effortless.

On board the TranzAlpine, we travelled in warmth and comfort on a crisp winter's day. The friendly and knowledgeable train staff made the journey even more enjoyable as we crossed the scenic Canterbury Plains and into the spectacular Southern Alps. On arrival at Arthur's Pass Railway Station, we were welcomed once again by our driver/guide, Stuart.

Stuart's friendly nature and genuine enthusiasm helped make the day a highlight. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and he happily tailored the walks to suit our fitness level. This allowed us to comfortably experience two of Arthur's Pass National Park's most popular walking tracks, including Devil's Punchbowl Falls, while taking time to appreciate the dramatic alpine scenery, native beech forests, and unique flora along the way.

While the TranzAlpine offered panoramic views on the way to Arthur's Pass, travelling back to Christchurch by road provided an entirely different perspective. Canterbury Trails' luxury Mercedes vehicle made the journey comfortable, and the scenic drive included unexpected highlights. The stops at Lake Pearson and Castle Hill provided some of the best photo opportunities of the tour. Combined with the rivers, waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, and alpine landscapes, there were chances to stop and capture the moments.

I couldn't fault this tour. From the guiding and luxurious transport to the scenery and personalised experience, my expectations were exceeded. I would confidently recommend this tour to anyone visiting Christchurch and would also have no hesitation recommending any of Canterbury Trails' other tours. Combining the world-famous TranzAlpine with a guided road journey through Arthur's Pass creates the perfect way to experience one of New Zealand's most beautiful regions. It was an unforgettable day from beginning to end.

Why We Think the TranzAlpine & Arthur's Pass Tour Is a Great Option for Your Clients

• This full day tour is an absolute must for a stay in Christchurch that combines the world-famous TranzAlpine train journey with a scenic return by road with Canterbury Trails vehicle, it offers the perfect blend of spectacular landscapes and comfort.
• Appeals to nature lovers, photographers, and soft adventure travellers, with opportunities for short walks, wildlife spotting, and plenty of photo stops, all at a relaxed pace that can be tailored to varying fitness levels.
• Ideal for clients who enjoy breathtaking scenery without the stress of self-driving which can be booked with Canterbury Trails on private or shared basis.
• The combination of train and guided road travel provides different perspectives of the landscape, with the flexibility to stop at scenic viewpoints and hidden gems along the way.
• Particularly well suited to couples, rail enthusiasts and those looking for a premium sightseeing experience with personalised service and comfortable transport.
• The knowledgeable local guide adds genuine value to the experience, sharing insights into the region's history, wildlife.