An astounding alpine wilderness straddling the great divide
Arthur's Pass is the highest pass over the Southern Alps. Long before surveyor
Arthur Dudley Dobson found his way over the pass in 1864, it was known to Maori
hunting parties as a route between east and west.
The eastern side of Arthur's Pass National Park is characterised by wide, shingle-filled
riverbeds and vast beech forests. The western side of the park, where wet weather
is more common than dry, has deeply gorged rivers flowing through dense rainforest.
Down the middle of 'the great divide' is an alpine dreamland of snow-covered peaks,
glaciers and scree slopes.
Key Highlights
| You can hike up the braided river-bed of the Waimakariri. |
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The park includes many peaks over 2000 metres - the highest is Mount Murchison
at 2,400 metres. All the main valleys of the park are deep and steep sided, with
the U-shaped profile typical of glacial action. Above the sub-alpine shrublands,
there are enchanting alpine fields with wild flowers.
Most people arrive in Arthur's Pass National Park by road - a spectacular piece
of extreme civil engineering involving viaducts, bridges, rock shelters and waterfalls
redirected into chutes. When Arthur Dobson first encountered the precipitous Otira
Gorge, the pass was almost impassable - he had to leave his horse at the top and
lower his dog on a rope.
The village at Arthur's Pass is the starting
point for many short walks. The entrance to the historic Otira rail tunnel can
be seen here - an epic engineering feat through 8.5 kilometres of rock.
Accommodation
In the park
The Department of Conservation provides 30 hikers' huts and 'Basic' shelters
(bivouacs) within the park, linked by an excellent track system. Arthur's Park
village offers a good choice of accommodation styles - from backpacker lodges
to hotel rooms.
Around the park
The city of Christchurch is just under two hours drive from Arthur's Pass village,
on the eastern side of the Southern Alps. On the western side of the mountains,
the town of Greymouth is an hour's drive away.
Key Activities
Short and long walks
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| The Kea - a native New Zealand mountain parrot. |
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Walks invariably begin at the edge of the highway and take you to amazing natural
attractions. The Devil's Punchbowl Falls, Bridal Veil Track, Historic Village
Walk, Temple Basin and the Dobson Nature Walk are some of the recommended short
walks. Full day walks include Cons Track, Avalanche Peak, Mount Aicken and Mount
Bealey. You'll probably meet the park's most famous inhabitant - the kea, a comical
alpine parrot famous for its inquisitive nature.
Skiing
The Temple Basin Ski Area is located on the slopes of Mount Temple above Arthur's
Pass. The skifield is open each winter from late June to early October and caters
for all levels of skiing. In recent years, it has become very popular with snowboarders.
Mountaineering
Arthur's Pass National Park is a mountaineering mecca, offering a huge choice
of classic climbing routes, including specialised challenges for ice climbers
and rock climbers.
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www.newzealand.com Pages
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Other Sites
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ARTHUR'S PASS NATIONAL PARK
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Seasonal Tips
DURING YOUR VISIT
As the snow melts, the alpine herbfields spring into life. Walk up, beyond the bushline, to photograph alpine flowers and astounding views. Bellbirds, fantails and grey warblers are singing their hearts out.
Key Tips
- Before you embark on a walk, record your name and intended walk on a trip intentions form at the Department of Conservation's Visitor Centre.
- Search and Rescue action cards must be cancelled on your return by phoning the visitor centre.
- When walking, take warm clothing and rainwear; sunhat and sunscreen; food and drink. Mountain weather can change quickly.
- Walking on tracks and routes above the forest line is recommended only in good weather conditions. Please don't feed the kea - they can become dependent on begging and lose their ability to find food for themselves.
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