Important travel update regarding the Northern Explorer train

Between 15 January 2025 and 27 January 2025 and Between 12 April 2025 and 28 April 2025.

Essential upgrade work will be taking place on the Auckland network to prepare for the City Rail Link to open in 2026. The tracks between Auckland Strand Railway Station and Hamilton are closed for train travel for this portion of the line while the Rail Network Rebuild work takes place. 

We are very pleased to advise that the Northern Explorer service will go ahead as planned however the first 2.5 hours portion of your journey will be replaced by bus.  

The bus will follow the standard timetable: 

·         Auckland departure at 7.45am 

·         Papakura departure at 8.35am

·         Hamilton arrival at 10.10am 

The transfer bus will meet the Northern Explorer train at Hamilton Railway Station. The train will depart Hamilton at 10.15am and continue travelling to Wellington following the standard train timetable.  
Show Notification Close Notification
View Cart (0)
Christchurch Arthurs Pass Train Rail Day Excursion | TranzAlpine Train Trip Journey Tour | Trans Alpine Express

The Christchurch to Arthurs Pass day excursion is a scenic rail journey on the Tranz Alpine train from Christchurch to Arthurs Pass National Park located in the through the Southern Alps.

Travelling west crossing the Canterbury Plains, the train slowly ascends through spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River towards the Southern Alps to the alpine village of Arthurs Pass - the administrative centre for the Arthurs Pass National Park.

You'll have five hours to view the displays at the National Park Visitors Centre, then go on your alpine adventure on the many forest park walks in Arthur's Pass National Park before you return to Christchurch.

The carriages on your train are centrally heated in winter and air conditioned in summer, with 'Airline' style reclining seats with head rests and 'Table' (4 people around a table) seating.

Each carriage has onboard washroom/toilet facilities, with '2 Seat-Aisle-2 Seat' seating either as reclining forward facing seats with head and foot rests or 'Table Group' (4 people around a table) seating allowing to experience the amazing views of the magnificent South Island, through panoramic side and roof windows, while enjoying the company of other passengers.

The Tranz Alpine train has a café carriage offering a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, snacks and light meals and an open viewing carriage for views of the Southern Alps and alpine rain forest landscape of the South Island's west coast.

TranzAlpine Day Excursion - Christchurch-Arthurs Pass-Christchurch
Wed 11 Jun
Thu 12 Jun
Fri 13 Jun
Sat 14 Jun
Sun 15 Jun Mon 16 Jun
Tue 17 Jun
Departure City Arrival City Departure Time Arrival Time
Fares
Fare Type Adults Price Child Price
 
Christchurch Arthurs Pass 08:15 AM 07:00 PM

Day Excursions :-

The Christchurch to Arthurs Pass day excursion is a scenic rail journey on the Tranz Alpine train from Christchurch to Arthurs Pass National Park located in the Southern Alps.

Depart Christchurch at 8.15 am Arrive Arthurs Pass 10.40 am / Depart Arthurs Pass 4.30 pm Arrive Christchurch 7.00 pm

You'll have five hours to view the displays at the National Park Visitors Centre, then go on your alpine adventure on the many forest park walks in Arthur's Pass National Park before you return to Christchurch.

Tour TRAVEL FROM Christchurch TO Arthurs Pass ONLY

The Christchurch to Arthurs Pass day excursion is a scenic rail journey on the Tranz Alpine train from Christchurch to Arthurs Pass National Park located in the through the Southern Alps.

Travelling west crossing the Canterbury Plains, the train slowly ascends through spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River towards the Southern Alps to the alpine village of Arthurs Pass - the administrative centre for the Arthurs Pass National Park.

You'll have five hours to view the displays at the National Park Visitors Centre, then go on your alpine adventure on the many forest park walks in Arthur's Pass National Park before you return to Christchurch.

The carriages on your train are centrally heated in winter and air conditioned in summer, with 'Airline' style reclining seats with head rests and 'Table' (4 people around a table) seating.

Each carriage has onboard washroom/toilet facilities, with '2 Seat-Aisle-2 Seat' seating either as reclining forward facing seats with head and foot rests or 'Table Group' (4 people around a table) seating allowing to experience the amazing views of the magnificent South Island, through panoramic side and roof windows, while enjoying the company of other passengers.

The Tranz Alpine train has a café carriage offering a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, snacks and light meals and an open viewing carriage for views of the Southern Alps and alpine rain forest landscape of the South Island's west coast.

Timing Information

Depart Christchurch Railway Station, Christchurch at 08:15 am / Arrive Arthurs Pass Railway Station, Arthurs Pass at 10:40 am
Depart Arthurs Pass Railway Station, Arthurs Pass at 04:30 pm / Arrive Christchurch Railway Station, Christchurch at 07:00 pm
Departure : Troup Drive, Christchurch
Arrival : Arthurs Pass Railway Station, Main Road