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New Zealand
> National Parks >
Arthurs Pass
 Arthurs Pass National Park
is Situated
in the heart of
the Southern Alps of New Zealand’s South Island,
this pass negotiates a crossing over rugged mountain
terrain between Canterbury and the West Coast.
The
Arthurs Pass
Village stretches for
over a kilometre along the road and valley floor and has a
permanent population of about 200 people which makes
for a simple mountain retreat with cafes and accommodation.
Winter
(May to August) often has settled clear weather with
snow on the mountains and less frequently in the
village. It is a great place to enjoy a retreat, with
skiing at the nearby Temple Basin Ski Field and walking from the many easy
trails near the village to more strenuous trails up
into the Alps.
 Spring (September - November)
brings warmer weather, spring flowers, and a great
time to see full rivers, wetlands and mountain birds.
The long warm days of summer and autumn (December -
April) are great for walking, alpine flowers,
canoeing, fishing and discovering nature.
For those
on day trips, there are many short walks where the
trails are clearly marked with estimated walking
times. Popular walks include the Devils Punchbowl,
Bridal Veil Falls (pictured above), which are easy
walks of about an hour each, where after rain the
falls can be spectacular. Up on the pass level, there
are several board walks where you can observe the
alpine flowers in late spring and early summer.
If
you are planning to walk far off the highway, it is
strongly advised that you check the weather, current
park information and register you intentions at the
park visitor center which is situated on the highway
as you drive into the village. Many people do end up
having to be rescued. Many of the peaks require ice
axes, ropes and crampons and within the park, Guided
activities operate year round.
There there is accommodation with
backpackers and motel units, food and refreshments
are available in the 3 cafe's which usually close
with the light of day. Within the park there are many
camp sites and a half days walk or so will take you
to basic but
reasonably comfortable accommodation in forest huts
although these can be full in the busy season.
To get there, it is an hour and a half
driving time from Christchurch, or you can take the
The Tranz Alpine Express or the Coast to Coast
and Intercity Busses.
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