TranzAlpine Road & Rail Epic Tour

2 Days

BOOK NOW to join the TranzAlpine road and rail 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

Join us as we journey coast to coast through the stunning TranzAlpine by road and rail on this overnight tour to Moana. Get back to nature with Atomic Travel Tours and discover some of the most outstanding natural features in the region. Take a guided nature walk to discover the diverse landscape of Arthur’s Pass. Encounter one of NZ’s most cheeky native birds. Explore Lake Brunner while staying at a historic hotel and experience true local hospitality at its best. The following afternoon, relax and enjoy one of the world’s best train journeys from Moana to Christchurch with TranzAlpine.

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
  • Explore Lake Brunner
  • Make tracks on a world class scenic rail journey on the TranzAlpine train

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 Canterbury region
  • Visit remote sheep station with stunning views
  • Visit Arthur's Pass National Park with a guided nature walk through Bealey Valley track
  • Explore Lake Brunner
  • Experience one of the world's greatest train journeys 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

Depart on the luxurious Mercedes sprinter from Addington railway station bound for Moana. 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 the 2 short Cave Stream Scenic Reserve tracks 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 to admire the sight of the award-winning Otira Viaduct. This cantilevered bridge is nearly 500 metres long. It provides a welcome connection across a section of the pass. The bridge bypasses some of the most hair pinned turns of the valley in an area prone to closure due to weather, rock slides, and flooded river. Then we descend our way down the mountain making our way to Moana, Lake Brunner. Enjoy free time for the rest of the afternoon. You may like to take a stroll down to the lake to admire the tranquil setting. In the evening, relax in the historical hotel with views overlooking the lake.

Lunch

Enjoy some free time in the morning discovering Lake Brunner. Take a native bush walk and enjoy the flora and fauna. You can choose from a selection of walks in the area from 20 minutes to 3 hours. You may like to try a spot of trout fishing or a scenic lake cruise*. Return to Hotel Lake Brunner for lunch or try XXX (not included). In the afternoon, board the TranzAlpine to experience one of the world’s great train journeys. Sit back and watch the magnificent scenery through panoramic windows as the train winds through the Southern Alps across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch railway station.

*to be arranged independently of the tour at the time of booking (subject to availability)

Breakfast

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 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. A baggage restriction of 17kg per person applies on all tours (regardless of flight or rail allowances). You must be able to comfortably carry your luggage from the bus to the accommodation and vice versa.

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, Loss of NZD100
8 – 29 days, 50% of total tour costs
Within 7 days, 100% of total tour costs
During the tour,100% of total tour costs

Great Alpine Highway

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TranzAlpine Road & Rail Epic Tour
Group Discount Available
From $429.00
/ Adult

TranzAlpine Road & Rail 2-Day Tour

  • Depart 8am, Addington railway station, Christchurch
  • Return 6:31pm, Addington railway station, Christchurch
  • 2 days
  • walking component
  • Guided Road Tour & Independent Rail Journey
  • Hotel
  • 16