Private Arthur's Pass Day Tour From Christchurch via Castle Hill (Small Group, Carbon Neutral)

Arthur’s pass – A National Park located deep in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. Traveling on the Great Alpine Highway through the ever-changing remarkable landscapes, this tour highlights an example of great engineering, spectacular waterfalls, and famous filming locations. We can customise our private tour to Arthurs Pass to suit your needs, do any length, and any group size. We will work with you to tailor a package to suit your requirements and give you an adventure to this wonderous alpine getaway that you won’t forget.

 The day will begin with a collection from your accommodation before we hit the road towards Arthur’s pass, our knowledgeable and friendly guide will point out those stunning views along the way. While on this tour with us you will see a variety of green fields to rugged mountain ranges, lush forest and ice-fed lakes and rivers! Once in Arthurs pass, take some time out and enjoy the mountains around you. Upon returning to the city, you will be greeted with familiar scenes with a couple extras.

There are plenty of stops along the way, so we won’t be spending all day in the van although it is pretty comfy. We recommend checking out some of the add-ons available on this trip either hop on a Jetboat and grab an action thrilled tour of where it all began or walk through the thick forest and check out a waterfall, along with those Instagram worthy stops, you can then add on the journey back to the Garden City Via the Tranzalpine, voted as the world’s most scenic train ride.  If this interests you, please let us know.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are booking this tour and you are arriving via the ports, then due to time restrictions we won’t be able to accommodate the train.

You will be driven in comfort in our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter or Similar vehicle packed with extras, just to make your journey that bit easier. Led by our fun and knowledgeable and passionate tour guides, this journey will come to life in a new way for you.

Memories made, hearts happy and photos a plenty in this tour!

Highlights

• Castle Hill 
• Alpine Jets 
• Arthurs Pass/ Devils punch bowl 
• Cave stream
• Kea in the wild

Itinerary:

Christchurch – We start by leaving the Garden City/Christchurch and heading north towards our destination, while our knowledgeable driver points out some of the Garden City’s highlights.

Springfield/Alpine Jet – As we make our way through the Selwyn District you will be greeted by the Gorgeous little western town of Springfield where we make our turn off towards Alpine Jets. Here you will spend time experiencing the wonders of the Waimakariri, it’s no wonder Jet Boating was developed here in Christchurch! If you have decided not to add an extra onto your tour, be ready for some lamb cuddles and rich history of this gorgeous landscape.

Castle Hill (1hour) – Once back in the van we head towards Castle Hill. These weathered limestone rocks sit proudly on the tussocky hills that were once in the ocean! Over time they eroded away and started forming these amazing unique shapes you’ll see today. You might recognize this landscape from movies such as Lord of the Rings and Narnia! While you walk amongst the rocks you will see climbers and boulderers - this place is a magnet for those types of hobbies. This is not a guided walk so you will be left to explore this piece of beauty on your own. 

Lake Pearson/ Lake Lyndon (10 min) -  Lake Pearson is the largest of three mountain lakes in the area, this picturesque glacial lake is surrounded by the Southern Alps, it is a popular spot for both swimmers, fishing and visitors . Lake Lyndon nestles at the base of Porters Pass, this is known as one of the colder lakes but another very popular location for jetboaters, bird watchers and again brave swimmers.

Otira Gorge Lookout (15 min)  – Also known as Deaths Corner! The Otira Viaduct Lookout is an amazing spot to see the national park in all its glory. This bridge is the only reason driving Arthurs Pass is possible! It’s huge at 440 Meters long and is a great spot for a photo of the bridge and the surrounding landscape. A little bonus too, you might see a wee Cheeky Kea! The sneaky Alpine Parrot of NZ. 

Arthurs Pass Village (1hour) – We depart the lookout and head towards Arthur's Pass village. On the way you will be able to see the beautiful backdrop of the majestic Southern Alps up close.  Once we arrive you will have the opportunity to either walk the Devils Punch Bowl or spend this time walking around the local shop. 

• Devils Punch Bowl – This walking track is approx. 1 hour with a gradual incline including steps towards a ferocious 131-meter-tall waterfall. Fitness is low to moderate as you walk through the bush and forest. 
• Arthurs pass village – Grab a bite to eat, a coffee and shop some local retail therapy! This village is a great information centre for all those extra burning questions.  

Cave Stream (15 min)– This is formed by the caves stream as it flows through an underground passage for 594 meters. This cave can be accessed by inexperienced cavers.

Porters Pass – With an elevation of 939m, Porters Pass is a mountain pass located deep in the Southern Alps.  Experience breathtaking views of the Canterbury plains as you weave through the third-highest highway in the South Island,

Christchurch – Sadly we get ready to make our way back to the Garden City! We then take you back to the accommodation where you started your journey from this Morning. All in a day's work aye! Here we officially say our goodbyes but send you off with some great photos and even better memories! 

As this tour operates in an alpine region the weather can be unpredictable. In the event of bad weather this tour will continue on to Greymouth and Lake Brunner.

Inclusions:

·        Small Group

·        Carbon Neutral

·        Bottled Water

·        Local kiwi snacks

·        Commentary

·        Wi-Fi

·        USB charging

·        100% Kiwi as experience

Add Ons: 

-Tranzalpine Train Journey back to Christchurch

-Alpine Jet boat experience

-Helicopter one way or both

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 will ensure our tours are an experience to remember. 

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