Arthurs Pass National Park

In the heart of the Southern Alps is Arthur's Pass National Park covering almost 115,000ha on the historic road between Canterbury and the West Coast. The park has it all: tall mountains, large scree slopes, wide braided rivers, steep gorges and native bush.

Arthur's Pass village is at the centre of the park, 154km from Christchurch and 100km from Greymouth. There are tracks and tramps to suit all fitness levels, and the snow-capped peaks in this glorious national park will take your breath away. The highest peak is Mt Murchison (2400m). There is one cautionary note: be prepared for wet and cold conditions, even in summer.

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 and includes the newly built, and very impressive, viaduct.