Highlights
- Feel the mist on your face as you stand beneath Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall.
- Explore Castle Hill: Majestic boulders & Disney’s Narnia film battlefield.
- Stop at Lake Pearson for a photo of the lake’s mirror-like reflection.
- Keep your eyes peeled for Kea, the world’s only alpine parrot.
- Marvel at the Otira Viaduct, a feat of modern engineering with valley views
Description
Begin your adventure by traveling along the Great Alpine Highway (SH73), a route famed for its ever-changing scenery—from the golden tussocks of the Canterbury Plains to the rugged, snow-capped peaks of Arthur’s Pass National Park. No journey into the heart of the South Island is complete without a stop at the Famous Sheffield Pie Shop. A local icon for over 40 years, it’s the perfect place to fuel up with some of New Zealand’s best award-winning pies.
Upon reaching the heart of the Southern Alps at Arthur’s Pass National Park,
we’ll drive to the Otira Viaduct lookout for spectacular views—including the vibrant red Rata flowers during summer. Keep an eye out for the cheeky Kea, New Zealand’s inquisitive alpine parrot! Our mountain exploration continues with a visit to the stunning Avalanche Creek Waterfall and several other scenic highlights within the National Park.
For the highlight of your afternoon, we highly recommend the Devils Punchbowl walking track. A leisurely 1-hour return walk leads you through lush beech forest to the base of a thundering 131-metre waterfall. The sheer power of the water and the mist on your face make this an unforgettable alpine experience.
After your walk, enjoy some well-earned downtime in the charming Arthur’s Pass village. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy lunch at a local cafe, browse the historic visitor centre, or simply soak up the peaceful mountain atmosphere before we continue our journey.
Our return journey to Christchurch stop at Lake Pearson (Moana Rua) for the ultimate 'mirror-image' photo. On calm days, this alpine lake offers a perfect 360-degree reflection of the surrounding mountains.
Stop at Flock Hill: Discover the stunning 'Narnia' filming location. This site was featured in Disney's The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as the primary battlefield—a spectacular setting surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Craigieburn Valley.
Stop at Castle Hill (Kura Tāwhiti) and wander through a 'kingdom of stone'. These massive limestone monoliths, once an ancient seabed, are now a playground for explorers and a sacred site for local Māori.
We make one final, delicious stop in the rural town of Springfield to see the famous giant doughnut—a must-photo landmark! From there, it’s a relaxing final leg back to the city, where we say our goodbyes and drop you off at your chosen location.
Includes
Professional guide and commentary
Small group
Pickup and drop-off from selected central Christchurch hotels
Transport by air-conditioned minibus
Coffee and award-winning pies for morning tea at the Famous Sheffield Pie Shop
Bottled water and light snacks
WiFi on board
Guided tour (except for walks in the National Park)
Excludes
Lunch (We have designed our itinerary with a dedicated break at [Arthur's Pass National Park], giving you the freedom to explore the local cafes and choose a meal that suits your appetite. To help you budget for the day, a sandwich or hot pie and a drink typically costs around $15, while a full hot meal and a drink ranges from $25-$30.)
Important Information
- The tour involves walking on uneven surfaces.
Weather can change rapidly; dress accordingly.
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
