Arthur's Pass
Bealy Valley
Arthur’s Pass
The highest and most spectacular pass across the Southern Alps is Arthur’s Pass, which climbs more than 3000 feet through Arthur’s Pass National Park. This is the road to take if you’re en route from Canterbury to the West Coast. The road involves a series of viaducts, bridges, rock shelters and waterfalls redirected into chutes around the pass.
Arthur’s Pass National Park has a varied landscape: on the eastern side you will see riverbeds filled with shingle and forests of beech trees. As you descend to the western side of the alps the terrain turns to dense rainforest beside deeply gorged rivers. One way to take in the scenic views is to ride on the Tranz Alpine rail service. But if you want to stop and enjoy some time in this beautiful wilderness, a self drive is recommended. There are lots of outdoor activities in the region including hiking and mountaineering and during winter there is skiing and snowboarding. Many birds and wildlife, including the alpine parrot Kea, can be found in the area as well.
Arthur’s Pass village is one of the highest towns in New Zealand. One of the interesting activities to do in the village is to check out the historic Otira rail tunnel which is an amazing engineering feat through 5 miles of rock. Or do the nice one hour roundtrip hike to the Devil’s Punchbowl Falls. The village also offers a nice choice of cafés and shops.
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Wilderness Lodge
Wilderness Lodge
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Rick Garrett
I’m a Professional Travel Adviser with over 40 years of travel industry experience. The countries I specialize in include Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, French Polynesia (aka Tahiti), and the Cook Islands. I’ve made dozens of trips to the South Pacific so am able to provide you with first hand knowledge and experience while creating the custom itinerary that is perfect for YOU, and then take care of everything from A to Z, before, during and after your amazing Down Under adventure. Because the journeys I create for my clients are born out of my desire to share my authentic travel experiences, each one is unique, and designed to match your interests, tastes and budget.