Arthur's Pass National Park

The journey is the tar-sealed thing

Driving offers the flexibility to stop for hikes and sightseeing when you please. The road, extensively revamped in the 1990s, is a feat of engineering, particularly the Otira Viaduct. Five thousand cubic meters of concrete were used to create the viaduct on a steep unstable foundation in an area prone to flash floods. As you navigate the turns, spare some thoughts for the men who spent backbreaking years creating it.

Stretch your legs

Everything from 10-minute strolls to multiday hikes are available in the park. We recommend the Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall (one hour return from Arthur's Pass Village) and Dobson Nature Walk (30 minutes return), which follows a lovely loop at the summit of Arthur's Pass. Marvel at brilliantly colored alpine lichen splashed across boulders and cliff faces. Kea, wrybill (with bent beaks), and green bellbirds populate the park. Lucky visitors will spot the roroa—or great-spotted kiwi—that roam the steep terrain.

Choochoo from "ChCh"

Take to the tracks and relax onboard the TranzAlpine Scenic Journey. It takes you from Christchurch ("ChCh" to locals) to Greymouth in 4½ hours, through 16 tunnels and over 5 viaducts. The train has an open-air carriage which provides breathtaking views of the plains, gorges, valleys, and beech forests.

Up you go

There are plenty of ways up the peaks of Arthur's Pass. Mountain climbing in the area is prone to changeable weather and many routes involve river crossings, so check in with the Department of Conservation before any endeavor and make sure you are up to the challenge.

Eco-Stays

As a guest at the luxurious Arthur's Pass Wilderness Lodge, you're invited to "walk the walk" and help remove invasive plants on nature hikes, and you're also welcome to do your own thing and take advantage of the extensive trails throughout the property. The owners are passionate about the conservation of this alpine environment and eager to share their knowledge with you. The lodge itself is built of local stone and wood. There's no need to worry about your cuisine's "food miles"—the delectable slow-cooked lamb on your plate was raised on the farm out the window. A more wallet-friendly but equally environment-conscious accommodation is the Mountain House Backpackers. The operators practice "responsible tourism" down to the last detail, using compact fluorescent lighting, organically based cleansers, recycled paper products and non-native firewood. They also initiated and run the recycling effort for the entire town.