Travel by luxury vehicle | Guided walks to explore the alpine and highcountry landscapes | Lunch in a local cafe | Fully escorted with informative commentary
Our trip takes you across the Canterbury Plains into high country and in to the spectacular Arthur’s Pass National Park with its rugged mountain ranges. Here you have the choice of a scenic nature tour with interpretations and short walks or a guided hike into the mountains.
You will be picked up from your accommodation and travel to Arthur’s Pass by luxury vehicle. Your journey will take you west across the rich agricultural belt of the Canterbury Plains to Springfield where you will have the opportunity to take photos of the mountains rising above you. The views are spectacular as you make your way through the high mountains of the Southern Alps and Arthur’s Pass.
Having arrived with your guide at Arthur’s Pass village you will have the opportunity to:
- View the Waimakariri River and its unique braided river system
- Enter Arthur’s Pass National Park where short walks (AP01) or a longer hike (AP03) can be taken to experience forests, rivers and mountain vistas
- Enjoy a cafe style or picnic lunch.
- Follow the old stage coach route and view the spectacular Otira Gorge, testament to the road builders of the 1860’s and the route taken by the Maori in their quest for greenstone
- Stops will be made at Castle Hill and/or Cave Stream, the site used for the filming of CS Lewis’s – “The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe”
- Return to Christchurch by luxury vehicle, traveling via sub-alpine Porter’s Pass and the Canterbury Plains
What to Bring
Clothing:
South Island weather is extremely variable. Sudden changes are not uncommon!
As we include walks on our tours it is advisable that you wear comfortable clothing suitable for being active and, as you will be in the mountains a wind proof top is a must. It is advisable to wear layers of clothing that can be added and/or removed.
The following is recommended:
- wind/rain proof jacket
- comfortable walking shoes/boots
- Sweater or jacket suitable for cooler weather,
- cap/sunhat or beanie (type depending on weather)
- DAY PACK (or bag you can carry and have both hands free)
- sunscreen (high SPF)
- sunglasses
- water bottle
Reviews
“We had a great day in a small group in Arthur’s Pass with Sally. We saw some amazing scenery (forests in Lord of the Rings style, waterfalls and Narnia scenery), spotted a kea and were very well taken care of. Only one comment on the train journey (TranzAlpine). Even though the scenery is fantastic, we thought that Taieri gorge train trip was better. So, make sure you won’t miss that one!”
Read more reviews here…