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