‘Welcome to Arthur’s Pass’
- Jesse Holmes
- Oct 13
- 6 min read
Updated: Oct 16
Arthur’s Pass: Alpine geology and geography at its finest!
Nau Mai, Haere Mai
Welcome to Arthur’s Pass National Park!
From one national park to another, this week we head west to Arthur’s Pass. As well as being the ultimate alpine environment for native flora and fauna, like Kevin the cheeky Kea, there are also plenty of things for you to see, do, and explore on one of our most popular day tours. With dates filling quickly, there has never been a better time to book a trip to the jewel of Kā Tiritiri o te Moana; New Zealand’s Southern Alps. So, what makes these tours so darn special?
The reality of our beloved Arthur’s Pass tours is that they showcase so many of the region’s overlooked spots, or those that are inaccessible to operators using coach-like vehicles. Our unique itinerary shares locations that are loved by locals for their natural beauty and recreation, capturing the essence of what it means to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand. Being just a short drive from the mountains, the region offers a variety of fly fishing, camping, and tramping options for Cantabrians. While fishing and overnight stays are unfortunately activities we can’t provide on these tours (though we wish we could!), there are opportunities for walks and photos at many of our stops. Below are some of the locations that you might see depending on which Arthur’s Pass excursion you book with us. Unsure about what your tour includes? Our friendly team will be able to advise which itinerary is the best for your ultimate road trip.
Springfield and Alpine Jet Thrills
Your tour starts by travelling through Selwyn - named after Bishop Selwyn, one of the first Europeans to arrive in the district in the 1840s. Driving inland, you will notice a variety of agricultural and horticultural industries, including seeds, sheep, and beef, which Waitaha Canterbury is famous for. We also travel through Springfield, where you might catch a glimpse of a bright pink doughnut in honour of our favourite Springfield resident, Homer Simpson! It is here that we turn off and continue through to the team at Alpine Jet Thrills. Operating since 1984 on the Waimakariri River (wai (water), makariri (cold rushing), they offer thrilling jet boat experiences* along one of Waitaha’s most famous rivers. Coincidentally, the very same river that was used in the 1950s by Bill Hamilton used to develop his jet boat ‘invention’. If you are interested in this once-in-a-lifetime experience, let our admin team know when booking to add this to your adventure. For those after a more tranquil experience, there are walks, views of the river, and sheep cuddles to enjoy!
*Not available on our Arthur’s Pass Day Tour with Full TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth/Greymouth to Christchurch.
Lakes Pearson and Lyndon
Lakes Pearson and Lyndon are two excellent examples of high country lakes. If there is time, our guide will briefly stop here for photos and a chance to stretch your legs. Ōpōrea, or Lake Pearson, is the largest of three mountain lakes on the pass. This picturesque glacial lake is surrounded by Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, and is a popular spot for swimmers, fishing and visitors. Significantly, it was, and is still used as a site of mahinga kai (food gathering) for local Ngāi Tahu iwi. Similarly, nestled at the base of Porters Pass, Lyndon, or Te Hāpua Waikawa, is popular amongst jetboaters, bird watchers, and particularly brave swimmers given it is one of the area’s colder lakes. These lakes are also popular winter spots for sledding or other snow fun for Cantabrian families.
Castle Hill; Next on our list
Castle Hill, or Kura Tāwhiti. This site is of both cultural and social significance for Ngāi Tahu. The area is protected by Tōpuni status by and for local iwi, meaning that the tikanga, or values, of the land are upheld, prioritised, and respected by all who visit. Upon arrival, you will see for yourself just how magnificent this place is. The weathered limestone rocks are indicative of Castle Hill’s unique history, whereby approximately 30 million years ago, the surrounding area was covered by a low-lying inland sea. Over time, as Torlesse and Craigieburn ranges experienced seismic shifts, pressure caused uplift and the erosion we see today.
Amidst the trademark tussocky landscape of the Canterbury High Country, these distinctive boulders are geology marvels. In fact, it would be this landscape that inspired Middle Earth™. Nearby Flock Hill, who Castle Hill shares its geology with, went on to become one of the filming locations used for the battle scene in The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Today, you might catch a glimpse of climbers and boulderers who frequent the area. Kura Tāwhiti is also home to the Castle Hill buttercup. With just under 70 plants estimated exclusively in the reserve, it is protected by the Department of Conservation, with the hope of building and enabling the population to flourish.
Cave Stream
As its name suggests, Cave Stream was formed by a stream in a cave. Flowing through an underground passage for 594 metres, the reserve shares similar limestone geology and geography as Kura Tāwhiti but in a slightly different setting. The cave is regularly used by cavers - including inexperienced cavers in the right conditions. Although we will not have time to venture into the cave itself at this brief stop, the vantage lookout points are fairly spectacular in their own right.
Porters Pass
Initially opening as a bridle path in 1858-59, Porters Pass refers to the section of highway that travels between Torlesse and the Big Ben ranges before arriving into the area known as Castle Hill basin. Named after Alfred and Joseph Porter - brothers operating a nearby high-country station - the original pass was eventually adjusted to accommodate coaches - including the famous Cobb & Co service that ran to/from Christchurch and Hokitika. In the end, it was eventually turned into the road we travel on today while retaining its namesake. The Pass is also home to the Porters Pass ski field - a popular spot in winter.
Arthur’s Pass and Otira Viaduct
Officially cemented as New Zealand’s third national park in 1929, Arthur’s Pass National Park was the first in the South Island. Connecting Te Waipounamu - or New Zealand’s South Island - east and west coasts, the route was first established by local iwi to trade pounamu (greenstone) before it became known to surveyors such as Arthur Dudley Dobson who would later colonise its status in 1864. With the West Coast gold rush from the early 1860s in swing, a road was quickly built and by 1865, was carrying an influx of gold prospectors in search of their fortune. However, it wouldn’t be until 1923 that a fully functioning rail network was established with the completion and opening of the 8.5km long Otira Tunnel.
In addition to the marvel of the Otira Tunnel, over 100 years after the road was first built, another feat of engineering opens; the Otira Viaduct. Built between 1998 and 1999, the 440 metre viaduct’s infrastructure has greatly improved access through the pass, especially in bad weather (prior to this, the pass had to regularly close due to slips, snow, and other hazards). While on tour, we will stop at the lookout point - also known as Death’s Corner, for that iconic shot. The vantage is also a great spot to spy the world’s only truly alpine parrot and our namesake, the Kea.
In addition to Kevin, there are plenty of other things to see and do while in Arthur’s Pass. The national park’s dramatic terrain boasts various native fauna - including pīwakawaka (fantails), miromiro (tomtits), korimako (bellbirds), riroriro (grey warblers), and toutouwai (South Island robins) - whose song fills the air. For lovers of waterfalls, we highly recommend Devil’s Punchbowl.
This beloved track is approximately 1 hour long with a gradual incline (including steps) towards a ferocious 131 metre tall waterfall. Fitness is low to moderate as you walk through the bush and native beech forest. But don’t worry, if hiking isn’t your thing! It’s highly likely you’ll see other waterfalls around this area, especially if it’s been raining, which is common in this alpine region.
Great Journeys TranzAlpine Experience
Last, but certainly not least, one of the most popular add-on experiences of our Arthur’s Pass Tours is the world famous TranzAlpine. Operated by Great Journeys, this adventure is a MUST DO! Sit back and relax as you cross braided rivers, pass high country stations, and round horseshoe bends as the train snakes its way through this magnificent part of Aotearoa. The open air viewing carriage offers sweeping panoramic views as perfect souvenirs of your trip. We are fortunate enough to offer three different options for guests interested in this tour:
Unsure which option works best for you? Or want to upgrade your experience to Scenic Plus? Our friendly admin team will be happy to assist with the train legs best suited to your interests.
Fallen in love with this tour as much as we have? Book today! Not for you? After two weeks of mountains, perhaps you are looking for a change of scenery or looking to channel your inner Moana?
Join us and Kevin next week as we explore Kaikōura - one of New Zealand’s top wildlife destinations.
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