TranzAlpine Road & Rail Day Tour

1 Day

BOOK NOW to join the TranzAlpine road and rail day tour with Atomic Travel.

Travel coast to coast across the Southern Alps by road and rail with Atomic Travel & TranzAlpine

Why tour with us

Over the years, we have bussed many travellers between Christchurch and Greymouth. Travellers have been awestruck with the sights through the Southern Alps. Often we would stop the bus along the way to show them a thing or two and share the history. Travellers couldn’t believe the natural wonderland they had the chance to see by bus. Our answer was to design a tour by bus and by train. This gives travellers time to step off the bus, and experience different natural features in the region. Then time to sit back and soak up the scenery on the return by train. The best of both worlds don’t you agree?

Tour summary

This epic one day experience by road and rail to Moana, Lake Brunner starts in Christchurch before travelling by bus through the Canterbury Plains. Then enjoy the chance to get up close and see some of the most spectacular natural features as we stop and alight along the Southern Alps on the way to Lake Brunner. Make tracks back to Christchurch and experience one of the world’s best train journeys on the TranzAlpine train.

Tour Highlights

  • Experience the diverse natural landscape of the Southern Alps
  • Enjoy morning tea at a remote high country sheep station with stunning views of surrounding mountains, rivers and lakes.
  • Visit Arthur's Pass with guided nature walk through Bealey Valley Track
  • Lunch at a historic hotel with scenic lake views
  • Sit back, relax and enjoy the unforgettable Southern Alps with TranzAlpine on the return journey

Travel coast to coast across the Southern Alps by road and rail with Atomic Travel & TranzAlpine

Tour Inclusions

  • Mercedes sprinter travel
  • Expert Atomic Ambassador
  • Light walks to view some of the most outstanding natural features in the area's national parks
  • Morning tea at a remote sheep station with stunning views
  • Visit Arthur's Pass National Park with a guided nature walk through Bealey Valley track
  • Lunch at a historic hotel with scenic lake views.
  • Sit back, relax and experience one of the world's greatest train journeys aboard the TranzAlpine from Moana to Christchurch

Tour Exclusions

  • beverages & meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Airfares to & from the tour starting point
  • airport or bus transfers to the tour departure point
  • travel insurance
  • laundry
  • phone calls
  • excess baggage fees
  • additional or optional activities not included at the time of booking

Travel coast to coast across the Southern Alps by road and rail with Atomic Travel & TranzAlpine

Morning

This epic one day experience by road and rail to Moana, Lake Brunner starts from Addington railway station on the luxurious Mercedes sprinter. Ride through the Canterbury plains and follow the road through the surrounding mountains and valleys. Enjoy the opportunity to follow a wide track to view grand limestone rocks. Continue on the Great Alpine Highway to Cave stream regional park. Take one of 2 short walks leading to either end of the cave. Enjoy a break at a remote sheep station lodge. Then we reach Arthur’s Pass presenting its diverse alpine vegetation, rich history, and some of the most stunning views of the mountains. Take a gentle guided short walk through moss-carpeted beech forest. The next stop is at the Otira lookout with views of the valley and the Otira Viaduct. Then we descend down the mountain making our way to Moana, Lake Brunner.

Afternoon

After lunch overlooking the tranquil lake we are scheduled to board the TranzAlpine at Moana railway station and experience one of the great train journeys of the world bound for Christchurch. Watch the rolling pastoral lands of the West Coast merge into rugged Southern Alps and marvel as the spectacular Otira Tunnel leads to the Waimakariri River. The train transverses the river then hugs the mountainside before it reaches the Canterbury plains and arrives at Addington railway station at approx 6:31pm.

12 hours
Lunch

Travel coast to coast across the Southern Alps by road and rail with Atomic Travel & TranzAlpine

What do I need to bring?

In your day-pack, bring a camera to take pics along the way. Bring extra layers of clothing and jacket just in case. Wear sensible shoes e.g. sturdy walking shoes. A bottle of water is advisable too.

Where & what time does the tour leave?

The Arthur’s Pass Experience departs from the Addington Railway Station. The tour departs at 8am. Let us know if you would like to be collected at another location*.

Please ensure you are at the pick-up location 15 minutes prior to departure, make sure you stand clearly visible. The bus driver is not obliged to phone any passenger who is not at their pick-up location prior to the scheduled departure time or to wait for any passenger. The ticket will not be refunded or transferred if the passenger missed the bus for any reason.

*additional cost may apply

What time do we arrive back?

The tour arrives back the same day at the Addington Railway Station, Christchurch approx 6:31pm. We recommend staying a night in Christchurch should the arrival time fluctuate for any reason.

Can I eat and drink on the bus?

Cold food and drinks are welcome. For the care and consideration of others, please be mindful and keep the area clean. Hot food and drinks are not allowed for the safety and consideration of others and yourself.

Is it easy to board the bus?

Our luxury Mercedes Sprinters have a step that lowers automatically allowing comfortable ascent and descent.

Who is our tour guide?

From Christchurch to Moana, the Atomic Ambassador is both the bus driver and host. The Atomic Ambassador is responsible for the overall running of the tour to Moana. They are trained to give you an interesting and detailed commentary as well as making you feel safe and secure with their extensive on-road experience.
At Moana, you will be delivered safely into the hands of the manager at Lake Brunner Hotel.
On day 2, you can choose your own experience (please note the cost of additional activities is not included in this tour price). The Hotel Lake Brunner shuttle will connect you to Moana railway station at 2:45pm. At 3:03pm your TranzAlpine train excursion begins from Moana railway station to Addington railway station, Christchurch where your journey ends.

How many bags can I take?

You can bring one small soft carry-on bag that may be stowed in the overhead shelf.

How many people will be on the tour?

We offer small tours for your comfort and enjoyment. Please note, a minimum number of bookings are required for a tour to be financially viable and have a pleasant group atmosphere. An email will be sent to clients no later than one month before the date of travel stating that the tour is either confirmed or that the minimum numbers are not met and the tour is cancelled.

Can Atomic Travel organise my travel insurance?

Travel insurance is not included in the tour package. We strongly recommend you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance from an independent traveller insurance provider.

What is included in the tour package?

It is easier to explain what is not included! The tour package does not include airfares to and from the tour starting point, airport taxes, passport and visa costs, airport and ferry transfers to or from the tour departure point, insurance, laundry, phone calls, or beverages, and meals not specified in the itinerary, excess baggage fees, and any additional or optional activities.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you decide not to travel with us for any reason, the following cancellation fees apply. You are advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance to protect yourself against the risks of travel.

Period of Notice, Cancellation Fee
Outside 30 days, Full refund
8 – 29 days, Full refund
Within 7 days, 50% of total tour costs
During the tour, 100% of total tour costs

Great Alpine Highway

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TranzAlpine Road & Rail Day Tour
Group Discount Available
From $299.00
/ Adult

TranzAlpine Road & Rail Day Tour

  • Departs 8am, Addington railway station, Christchurch
  • Returns the same day approx 6:31pm, Addington railway station, Christchurch
  • 1 day
  • walking component, moderate
  • guided road tour & independent rail journey
  • 16