Arthur's Pass National Park
Explore the Alpine Environment of the Southern Alps of New Zealand
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Accommodation close to Arthurs Pass National Park
We are 30kms from Arthur's Pass National Park which has many hikes and walks for all levels of fitness. It is a alpine environment where the main valleys are deep and steep sided and have the characteristic U-shaped profile of glacial action.
Vegetation in Arthurs Pass National Park
Plant life differs greatly depending on where you are in the park.
On the West Coast side of Arthurs Pass native beech, rata and podocarps prevail. At the top of the pass above the sub-alpine shrublands there are alpine medows with a wide variety of wild flowers. These are best viewed around late November or early December. Some fascinating examples found a short distance from the main road in marked walks from the top of the pass.
On the East side of the Arthrus Pass native mountain beech trees are prolific before you come out onto the wide braided river flats of the Waimakariri River.
Native alpine parrot - Kea
Look out for the cheeky green alpine parrot – the Kea. These inquisitive birds are infamous thieves and will try to steal anything that takes their fancy! They are famous for their inquisitive (and destructive) nature. For more information on the kea visit Kea Conservation Trust's website. They are often to be found at "Death's Corner" Lookout at the top of the viaduct or in Arthurs Pass village out side the tearooms.
Kiwi can also be found in the park, though their nocturnal habits make them hard to spot. There is a captive breeding programme being prepared at Willowbank in Christchurch for the great spotted kiwi in the Craigieburn Ranges.
Hiking & Walking Tracks in Arthur's Pass
Short Hikes:
- Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall 1 hour return
- Bridal Veil 1.5 hours return
- Dobson Nature Walk 1.5 hours return
- Bealey Valley 2-4 hours return
- Old Coach Road 30 minutes return
- Cockayne Nature Walk 30 minutes return
- Millenium Walk 10 minutes return
Day Hikes
- Carroll Hut 6 hours return
- Otira Valley 1 hour each way
- Temple Basin 1.5 hours one way
- Coral Track 2 hours one way
- Cons Track - 6 8 hours return
- Bealey Spur 4 6 hours return
- Mount Aicken 6- 8 hours return
- Mount Bealey 6-8 hours return
Longer Hikes
Many overnight hikes are available in the Arthurs Pass National Park. Most hikes are suitable for hikers of average fitness and experience. In winter, more skill is required as conditions can be difficult. The Department of Conservation (DoC) provides 30 hikers' huts and 'Basic' shelters (bivouacs) within the park, linked by an excellent track system. You will need to buy hut tickets from a DoC visitors Centre to be able to stay in them.
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.
See the Department of Conservation - Arthur's Pass website for more information, route guides and details.
Arthur's Pass Visitor Centre
P.O. Box 8, Arthur's Pass
Ph: +64 3 318 9211
Fax: +64 3 318 9210
Watching the weather?
For the Canterbury High Country forecast check out
The New Zealand Met Service.
Or look at the
webcam view of weather at Castle Hill - updated every 10 mins.
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Please don't feed the kea
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