Experience the dramatic peaks, waterfalls, and native wildlife of Arthurs Pass on a full-day journey with Koru Scenic Tours. Travel from Christchurch across the Southern Alps, stopping at iconic vistas and engineering landmarks.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
12 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness recommended due to full-day duration and short walking segments on uneven terrain.
Wildlife
History
The Otira Viaduct, opened in 1999, reflects engineering innovation overcoming rugged alpine terrain to improve connectivity.
Conservation
Ongoing efforts focus on protecting the fragile alpine vegetation and managing kea interactions to minimize human impact.
Koru Scenic Tours
Experience the dramatic peaks, waterfalls, and native wildlife of Arthurs Pass on a full-day journey with Koru Scenic Tours. Travel from Christchurch across the Southern Alps, stopping at iconic vistas and engineering landmarks.
Koru Scenic Tours is a New Zealand tour operator that offers scenic trips across the South Island.
The company runs curated routes to iconic locations including Aoraki / Mt Cook, Milford Sound, Kaikoura, Akaroa Harbour, Arthurs Pass, Fiordland and Nelson Lakes. Featured on The Adventure Collective, Koru Scenic Tours highlights coastal harbours, alpine passes, glacial lakes and rugged west coast scenery. Tours span a variety of itineraries listed under its name, such as Aoraki Mt Cook, Aoraki Mt Cook Plus, Milford Sound Special, Fiordland Fantasy, Kaikoura and Kaikoura Plus, Akaroa Harbour and Akaroa Harbour Plus, and the South Island Big Loop.
Koru Scenic Tours describes routes that connect harbours, high country, river gorges and mountain passes. Sample trips in the catalogue include Lakes and Gorges, MacKenzie Magic, Central Otago Gold, Lewis Pass - Hanmer Springs, Porters Pass and Lees Valley. The operator also lists shorter harbour-focused options like Lyttelton Harbour/Whakaraupo and Akaroa Harbour, alongside regional samplers including West Coast Sampler and Top of the South.
Information about departures, booking, group size and exact itineraries is available through the operator's published trip listings. Koru Scenic Tours presents clear trip names and route focuses that help travellers choose coastal, alpine or multi-region experiences. Being featured on The Adventure Collective provides an additional reference point for travellers researching reliable South Island scenic tours.
Tours Offered
24 routes
Named South Island itineraries
Featured Peaks
Aoraki / Mt Cook
Iconic alpine destination
Popular Destinations
Aoraki, Milford, Kaikoura
Iconic South Island highlights
Regional Focus
South Island
Coastal to alpine routes
Check itineraries like Aoraki Mt Cook, Milford Sound Special and Kaikoura Plus — view trip details and availability on the published listings.
Watch for Kea Parrots
These curious alpine birds are notorious for scavenging unattended gear; keep belongings secure to protect your equipment.
Bring Layers for Variable Weather
Mountain weather can change rapidly—wear breathable, water-resistant layers to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Photography Opportunities
Have your camera ready at Devils Punchbowl Falls and Otira Viaduct lookout for striking landscape shots.
Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially when walking near waterfalls or completing short hikes around Arthurs Pass.
Water-resistant hiking boots
Support and grip for trails around waterfalls and mixed terrain.
Layered clothing
Adapt quickly to alpine temperature changes and weather.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Protect skin from strong UV exposure at higher elevations.
summer
Camera or smartphone
Capture iconic sights such as waterfalls, alpine vistas, and kea antics.