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

With a private tour, you gain access to exclusive insights and insider knowledge that you won’t find on standard tours. Your guide can share fascinating local stories, hidden gems, and personal recommendations, ensuring every stop feels tailored just for you. The best part? You can skip the crowds, enjoying a more intimate, leisurely experience. Whether you want to linger at a stunning viewpoint, take a spontaneous detour to explore something that catches your eye, or simply spend more time in places that captivate you, the flexibility is all yours. This personalized approach transforms your trip into something uniquely yours—stress-free, memorable, and truly unforgettable.

Highlights:

• Castle Hill
• Arthur’s Pass / Devil’s Punchbowl
• Cave Stream
• Kea in the Wild

Itinerary:

Christchurch – Your private adventure begins as we depart from Christchurch, the Garden City. As we head towards your chosen destinations, your expert driver-guide will share insights about the city's highlights, offering a personal touch to your journey.

Springfield/Alpine Jet Experience – As we journey through the Selwyn District, we’ll make a stop in the delightful town of Springfield. Here, you can personalize your tour by adding the exhilarating Alpine Jet boating on the Waimakariri River. Speak to the team about adding this experience to your itinerary. If you choose not to, we’ll skip this stop and head directly to Arthur’s Pass.

Otira Gorge Lookout (15 min) – Our next stop is the Otira Viaduct Lookout, a fantastic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the national park. This incredible bridge makes the drive through Arthur’s Pass possible and stretches 440 meters. It’s a great spot for photos, and you might even spot a cheeky Kea, the mischievous alpine parrot of New Zealand!

Arthur’s Pass Village (1 hour) – After the lookout, we’ll head to the picturesque Arthur’s Pass Village, nestled among the Southern Alps. Here, you can choose between a scenic walk to the Devil’s Punchbowl waterfall or spending some time exploring the local shop and enjoying the village’s charm.

• Devil’s Punchbowl Walk – This 1-hour track leads to a powerful 131-meter waterfall. The walk is moderate, with some steps and a gradual incline through lush forest.
• Arthur’s Pass Village – Take a moment to relax, grab a coffee, and browse local shops offering unique souvenirs from this remote alpine village.

Cave Stream (15 min) – The Cave Stream is a fascinating underground passage where the Cave Stream flows for 594 meters. It’s a spectacular sight and accessible to even inexperienced cavers.

Castle Hill (1 hour) – Next, we’ll visit the iconic Castle Hill. These striking limestone formations sit proudly amidst tussock-covered hills, once submerged in the ocean. Over time, erosion has sculpted these fascinating shapes, creating a stunning landscape you might recognize from The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia. You’ll have the freedom to explore these unique rock formations at your own pace. Castle Hill is also popular among climbers and boulderers, so you may spot some of them in action!

Christchurch – After a day filled with stunning landscapes, wildlife encounters, and memorable moments, we’ll head back to Christchurch. We’ll drop you off at your accommodation, where your journey began. It’s time to say goodbye, but we’ll send you off with wonderful memories and plenty of photos to relive the experience!

Note: Weather conditions in the alpine regions can be unpredictable. If you are arriving and returning to port, please keep in mind that the tour may need to be adjusted to accommodate your boat's schedule - as this can be booked as an excursion 

Inclusions:

• Private Tour
• Carbon Neutral Experience
• Lunch can be included at an extra cost (speak to the team)
• Bottled Water
• Local Kiwi Snacks
• Expert Commentary
• Wi-Fi
• USB Charging
• 100% Kiwi Experience

Add-ons:

• Alpine Jet Boat Experience
• Helicopter Ride (One Way)

At Cheeky Kea Travel, we pride ourselves on delivering a highly personalized experience. With small group sizes, expert guides, and carefully designed itineraries, we go above and beyond to ensure your journey is unforgettable. From secret stops to wildlife sightings, unique vehicles, complimentary refreshments, and fun surprises, we make sure every moment counts.

See More, Do More, Spend Less.