Top 4 New Zealand Castle Tours

1.TranzAlpine Train, Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 426 reviews · from $254Our pick

Travel from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass by TranzAlpine train, then return by minibus through the Southern Alps. You’ll see the Canterbury Plains, Otira Viaduct, Devils Punchbowl, Lake Pearson, and Kura Tawhiti. Guides such as AJ and Anuj provide commentary, snacks, water, and help with the day’s walks.

“Great day out. Our guide was really helpful and knowledgeable. He did a great job explaining about the train journey and Arthur's Pass national park.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Larnach Castle and Gardens Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 279 reviews · from $29Best value

Visit New Zealand’s only castle at your own pace. Admission includes the restored house, written guides, a garden map, and a native plant trail. Allow at least two hours for the castle, gardens, café, and rooftop lookout. You will need your own transport from Dunedin, and the short tower climb is steep.

“Lovely self guided tour inside Lanarch Castle and walking around the surrounding gardens. Very beautiful and peaceful. Very detailed information provided about the history of the castle. Great way to spend the weekend. We spent about 2 hours there.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Arthur’s Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 270 reviews · 10 hours · from $245

Take the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass, then return by air-conditioned minibus with an English-speaking guide such as Anuj or Anush. Expect mountain scenery, beech forest, waterfalls, Lake Pearson, Otira Viaduct lookout, and Castle Hill. Walks are optional but require comfortable shoes and moderate fitness.

“Excellent day trip, the hike to devils punchbowl does require moderate fitness and proper shoes (which I wasnt aware of). Our guide was wonderful! The whole tour is well organised and the train is definitely worthwhile.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christchurch via Castle Hill

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 203 reviews · 10 hours · from $118

Travel from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass in a small Mercedes Sprinter with an English-speaking guide such as Clive, Joseph, Paul, or Hana. Expect Castle Hill, Lake Lyndon, Otira Viaduct, Cave Stream, Porters Pass, lunch, Kiwi snacks, and time for the Devil’s Punchbowl walk. An optional jet-boat ride adds cost but extra excitement.

“It was very affordable while also having many stops. I felt like I had a lot of value out of this day trip and I would recommend to other travellers”

Check availability →Read our full review