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Arthur's Pass National Park

Devil's Punchbowl Falls, Arthur's Pass - click for more.
At the base of the Devil's Punchbowl Falls
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This magnificent alpine park straddles the Southern Alps. It is bisected by State Highway 73, which links the Canterbury and West Coast regions.

The mountains are generally below 2000 metres east of the main highway; west of the highway 14 summits rise above 2000 metres. The mountains and valleys of Arthur's Pass National Park were heavily glaciated during the ice ages, and the land has retained many distinctive glacial features including tarns, cirques and hanging valleys. About ten small glaciers remain, mostly in the headwaters of the Waimakariri River.

There is a striking difference between the habitats on either side of the main divide. Mountain beech dominates eastern slopes. To the west you'll see mixed podocarp rainforest and red-flowering rata, with a luxuriant understorey of shrubs, ferns and mosses. Snow tussock and alpine meadows can be found above the bushline.

Arrive in the park prepared to hike. Several short walks begin near Arthur's Pass Village, including the Punchbowl Falls Track (one hour return). You can also walk into the alpine zone starting from the summit of the pass - the Dobson Nature Walk (half hour return) is a good choice. Most of the mountains near the village have a summit track - one of the best is Avalanche Peak (allow a whole day and be prepared for mountain conditions). Mount Rolleston (2275 metres) near the summit of Arthur's Pass is a popular climb for novice mountaineers.

Before you embark on a hike, check at the Department of Conservation visitor centre in Arthur's Pass village for information on weather and track conditions.

The Tranz Alpine scenic railroad journeys from Christchurch to Greymouth over Arthur's Pass. It's a way to experience the grandeur of Arthur's Pass National Park in perfect comfort.
 


 
CHRISTCHURCH - CANTERBURY Region


Contact Details

Contact: DOC Arthur's Pass Visitor Centre
Phone:
 +64 3 3189 211
Postal: CMB 8, Arthurs Pass 7654
Website: www.doc.govt.nz/templates/PlaceProf
ile.aspx?id=38430
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Arthur's Pass is the closest town to this highlight.

In Arthur's Pass:

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Arthur's Pass does not have scheduled passenger air services.

The nearest airport is in Hokitika (83 minutes)

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