Southern Alps in Winter Glory

Traversing the Southern Alps in winter, bedecked in its winter cloak delivers a very special magic. This trip offers the opportunity to experience it two-fold by road and rail.

Of the three major passes, the two most travelled are the Lewis Pass and Arthurs Pass and these have been included in this concise tour.

To provide a differing experience and for variation, one pass will be by traversed road the other by rail.

The Tranzalpine train journey through Arthurs Pass is a particular highlight.  Two nights in the Mountain village of  Hanmer Springs is a chance to bathe in the hot pools also make this tour stand out.

As one visitor to our shores once remarked after a visit to the region, “The South Island is like Scotland on steroids”.

If you have never ventured South, or only in the summer months, we’d highly recommend this terrific experience, safe and warm in your coach seat with the heaters on and a warm cuppa to hand.

Southern Alps in Winter Tour Highlights

• Winery tour including lunch in the Waipara district in North Canterbury
• Time to relax and enjoy Hanmer Springs and activities of your choice (additional costs may apply)
• Enjoy the views of the Lewis Pass plus local sightseeing
• Connect with the ‘Coasters’ in Greymouth and enjoy the wonderful West Coast hospitality.
• Travel the Tranzalpine Train via Arthurs Pass from Christchurch to Greymouth.

The TranzAlpine Train

The most enjoyable part of your tour will be your one-way TranzAlpine journey back to Christchurch. Even if you have undertaken this trip before, travelling in winter offers a completely different perspective as you take in the South Island’s stunning mountains and the vast Canterbury Plains. Welcome aboard New Zealand’s finest inland rail journey.

TranzAlpine Train Inclusions

• TranzAlpine One-Way Journey
• Reserved Seating
• Panoramic Windows
• Licensed Cafe for snacks, hot drinks and meals
• Terrific audio commentary telling the stories of what you can see
• Air Conditioning and heating for those cooler days
• Disability Accessible
• Enjoy the open-air viewing carriage for that photo opportunity

For a detailed itinerary, departure details, and booking conditions, please see below.

Click here for alternate South Island tours featuring the TranzAlpine train.