Arthurs Pass Excursion with Lunch and Farm Tour
Don't Port,
Don't Pay Security
Back-to-Ship
Guarantee
Hassle-free
Cancellation
8 hours (approx.)
Shared Tour
Overview
This wonderful excursion travels to Arthurs Pass National Park one of only two Alpine Passes through the spectacular Southern Alps connecting the East and West Coasts of the South Island of New Zealand. The tour includes lunch in the Arthurs Pass Village, the opportunity for a gentle bush walk through native Beech Forest and the visit to working high country sheep farm, where you will see sheep dogs at work, sheep shearing and enjoy afternoon tea.
Your guide welcomes you as you board your transportation, ready to depart Lyttlelton. Travel through the city of Christchurch, across the Canterbury Plains to the small rural township of Springfield located in the foothills of the Southern Alps. Continue on by road through Porter Pass to a high country plateau with several small lakes and pasture land surrounded by high mountain peaks which are snow covered for around 9 months of the year. As you enter the Arthurs Pass National Park the road follows the famous TranzAlpine Railway into Arthurs Pass Village.
Then you arrive in Arthurs Pass Village and continue by road to the summit of the pass, travelling through dense native Beech Forest, from the summit the road descends steeply down the Otira Gorge to the old railway settlement of Otira. Approximately 20 years ago one of the largest engineering projects in the Southern Hemisphere was completed with the construction of the Otira Viaduct. The viewing platform at the top of the gorge provides great views of the viaduct with the Kea, a Native New Zealand parrot are often in the area. A perfect spot to capture memorable photos! From this viewing platform travel back to the village, with a stop on route for a gentle bush work through the native New Zealand Beech Forest. Then a stop for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Arthurs Pass.
After lunch, leave behind Arthurs Pass and retrace the route travelled in the morning to Springfield. Enjoy many more wonderful photo opportunities on route at locations such as Castle Hill famous for its use as a scene in the Hobbit Movie. Next you will arrive at a High Country Sheep Farm located on the banks of the Waimakariri River where you will witness sheep mustering with sheep dogs at work rounding up the flock and penning them in for you to touch, examine and photograph.
Here, you will meet the farmer and watch a sheep shearing demonstration and learn all about the different types of wool and how it is dealt with once shorn. Following the farm tour and shearing demonstration a welcoming afternoon tea will be served, with a choice of tea or coffee and a selection of home made cakes. An enjoyable way to complete your tour before boarding your transport for your return to your cruise ship berthed in Lyttlelton township. There your awaiting shuttle transfers you back to your cruise ship.
What's Included
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Round trip transportation from port shuttle
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English speaking driver/guide
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Lunch
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Arthurs Pass National Park
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Arthurs Pass Village
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Castle Hill Hobbit Movie scene stop
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High Country Sheep Farm visit
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Sheep shearing demonstration
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Bush walk through a Beech Forest
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Afternoon tea/coffee and cakes
Considerations
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This tour requires a minimum of 4 guests.
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TranzAlpine Railway Train is not part of this tour.
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Gratuities/Tips are not included in your tour, if you would like to leave a tip, please bring cash.
Special Instructions
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As the weather in New Zealand is very changeable, dress in layers (these can be left in the vehicle if not required) and wear comfortable footwear.
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Guests must be able to board and alight the tour vehicle without assistance.
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Bring your camera to capture wonderful memories of your time ashore!
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting Instructions Will Be Provided On Your Voucher.
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