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Arthur's Pass
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In the heart of the Southern Alps
you will find Arthur's Pass National Park (114,500 hectares). It is situated
on a historical road between Canterbury on the east and the wild West Coast.
High mountains with large scree slopes feature along with wide braided
rivers and steep gorges. |
Natural, cultural and historic
features
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The Arthur's Pass area has long
been used by those travelling coast to coast. Maori travelled in search of
pounamu (greenstone) and trade. European sought ways through to the West
Coast on the lookout for new opportunities and resources. When gold was
discovered on the West Coast traffic across the Alps increased dramatically.
But it was never an easy crossing; the weather was not at all predictable
and flooded rivers were always a danger. Even today the road is often closed
with slips and a new viaduct is being built on the western side to minimise
the hazards.
There is a striking difference between the habitats on either side of the
Main Divide (the mid-line of the Alps). To the east the forests are almost
entirely mountain beech, to the west the situation is more complex with a
variety of podocarp species, beech, kamahi and kaiakawaka all present.
Alpine plants grow in profusion above the bush line and this is one place
where they can seen quite easily on a short walk off the road.
Look out for the park's most famous inhabitant - the kea. Kea are alpine
parrots famous for their inquisitive nature and the damage they can wreck if
encouraged too close to human habitats. Kiwi are also found in the park
along with more common birds like bellbirds and fantails. |
Getting there
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Arthur's Pass village lies in the
centre of the park 154 kilometres from the city of Christchurch in the east
(2 hours drive) and 100 kilometres from Greymouth in the west. (11/2 hour's
drive)
The main road between Greymouth and Christchurch, State Highway 73 goes
right through the park and the village of Arthur's Pass. Winding in places
it is one of the country's most scenic routes.
The Tranz Alpine train also stops at Arthur's Pass.
Regular bus services and 2 shuttle bus service also operate between
Greymouth, Hokitika and Christchurch. |
Where to stay
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There are plenty of accommodation options in and around Arthur's Pass
village, from hotels to backpackers.
30 Backcountry Huts and basic shelters (bivouacs) are located within the
park, linked by an excellent track system. |
The top few things to do
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Walking
There are a variety of short walks leaving from the vicinity of Arthur's
Pass Village and the enchanting Dobson Walk from the Pass itself.
A network of tracks lead into remote valleys and high alpine passes. In
summer these are suitable for groups of average fitness and experience. In
winter more skill is required as snow may lie deeply even in the valleys and
weather conditions can be difficult. Two of the most popular are the Cass
Saddle trip and the Minga/ Deception trip over Goat Pass. |
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Mountaineering |
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Remember this important
information
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If you going to be using the
track system in the park for overnight trips make sure you are properly
equipped and well prepared.
Make sure your group has a capable leader and that everyone is carrying a
sleeping bag, cooking utensils, sufficient high energy food (with some extra
for emergencies), a waterproof raincoat and overtrousers, gloves, a hat, and
several layers of warm (wool or fleece) clothing.
Please check at the Department of
Conservation visitor centre for up-to-date information on weather and track
conditions. Fill in an intention form at the visitor centre and remember to
let them know when you have completed your trip. |
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