Arthurs Pass Itinerary

Arthur’s Pass village is surely one of Canterbury’s most attractive rural retreats, nestled under the Southern Alps and surrounded by the wild beauty of Arthur’s Pass National Park.

The Journey

Depart Christchurch via Main West Road State Highway 73. This journey will take approximately 2½ hours with minimal stops.

Travelling across New Zealand’s largest flat area, the picturesque and ordered Canterbury Plains, you will pass through small villages and pass by large braided rivers.

Just outside the city limits are several small Canterbury vineyards. Stop and sample a glass or two of Chardonnay, Riesling, or Pinot Noir at the Langdale Wines, Sandihurst – only open at weekends, Gatehouse near West Melton.

At Springfield discover the Waimakariri Canyon and experience the awe inspiring beauty by jet - boat.

Continue west on State Highway 73 towards the awesome Southern Alps – stopping at the summit of Porters Pass for the view and again at Lake Lyndon on the other side. Take in the wide and inspiring views within the Waimakariri Basin that include rugged peaks and native tussock grasslands.

You may like to stretch your legs and enjoy a 40 minute walk each way to the limestone rock formations and view the Maori rock drawings.

Stop at Cavestream Scenic Reserve, situated on State Highway 73, between the Broken River road bridge and Craigieburn Forest Park entrance. Cave Stream Reserve sits among spectacular limestone outcrops, with views of the Gragieburn and Torlese Ranges. A 362 metre long cave within the Reserve is one of the most outstanding natural features in the Canterbury region. Ideal for picnicking and gentle short walks.

Flock Hill Lodge, just before Lake Pearson offers high country farm visits for pre arranged groups. With close access to horse trekking, fishing, Craigieburn Forest Park, Arthurs Pass National Park, winter skiing, and swimming at Lake Pearson, Flock Hill offers motel and lodge accommodation for large groups. The restaurant seats over 100 people and has a fully licensed bar.

Travel westwards again on State Highway 73 and stop at Bealey Hotel for a drink or lunch. From the hotel view the braided Waimakariri River bed.

The Activities

• Arthurs Pass is another 20 kilometres further on. Stop and browse, have lunch if you haven’t already at the Chalet Restaurant.
• Visit the Department of Conservation Information Centre for all information on local walks, huts and activities to do in this area.
• A popular bush walk is the Devils Punchbowl Falls – 20 minutes each way. For those looking a bigger challenge, drive to the top of Arthurs Pass and walk the track to Temple Basin Skifield, view the adjacent mountain scenery - 1½ hours up and 1 hour coming back, good for fit people, but worth the effort.
• From Arthus Pass to the west of the main divide, discover a total change of environment in a matter of a few minutes drive. Stop and admire the view from Kea Point and introduce yourself to New Zealand’s cheekiest native alpine parrot. This is a great opportunity to get a first hand feel of the South Island’s West Coast.

Option

Book a day trip with Tranz Scenic on the internationally renowned TranzAlpine Express, which travels from Christchurch to Greymouth and back daily via Arthurs Pass. One of the worlds great rail journeys (ranked top six), this scenic adventure is a New Zealand Tourism Award winner.

Operation/Time to allow/Distance from Christchurch

• Sandihurst, Gatehouse & Langdale Wines/45 minutes – 1 hour/30 minutes
• Waimak Alpine Jet (Springfield)/45 minutes/1 hour 45 minutes
• Lake Lyndon/10 – 15 minutes/1 hour
• Limestone rock formations & Maori rock drawings/30 minutes/2 hours to 1 hour & 20 minutes
• Cavestream Scenic Reserve/30 minutes/ 2 hours - 1½ hours
• Cragieburn & Torlese Ranges/10 minutes/1½ hours
• Lake Pearson/20 minutes/1 hour & 40 minutes
• Bealey Hotel/20 minutes/ 1 hour - 2 hours
• Chalet Restaurant/30 minutes/1½ hours - 2½ hours
• Department of Conservation Information Centre/1 - 1½ hours/2½ hours
• Devils Punchbowl Falls/40 minutes/2½ hours
• Temple Basin Skiarea/2 – 3 hours/2 hours & 40 minutes
• Kea Point/30 minutes/2½ hours

TranzAlpine Express - All day Departs from Christchurch