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arthur’s pass
 In a
high mountain pass on the main divide of the Southern Alps lies a
picturesque alpine village.
Arthur’s Pass got its name by a very practical process.
Arthur Dobson made the first survey of the pass in 1864. His
brother, who was also a surveyor, made reference to the crossing
as "Arthur’s pass" and the name stuck.
Arthur’s Pass village is located close to the pass that
links Christchurch and Greymouth. It is the focal point for State
Highway 73, the TranzAlpine railway line, and a base for visitors
who wish to explore the magnificent Arthur’s Pass National
Park.
 The park has wonderful walking tracks which
are easily accessible from the village. Recommended half-day
walks are Devil’s Punchbowl, Bridal Veil, Bealey Valley and
Dobson Nature Walk. The high tussock-covered slopes are carpeted
with wild herbs and alpine flowers and the Southern Alps form a
dazzling backdrop of serrated ridges and eternal snowfields. At
the visitor centre you will find excellent audio-visuals and
displays.
The attraction of Arthur’s Pass is that every visitor can
enjoy the scenery because it is so close to hand. From the
highway you can view Mt. Rolleston which rises majestically above
the beech forest.  This
pristine mountain area is second to none and offers endless
opportunities for photography. Look out for the park’s most
infamous resident - the kea. This pesky alpine parrot has a very
inquisitive nature and likes to fossick through trampers’
gear and strip rubber fittings off cars.
The TranzAlpine is rated as one of the best railway journeys in
the world, traversing a variety of landscapes - broad plains,
tussock grasslands, braided rivers, dramatic gorges, and majestic
mountains. The journey can be taken as a return day trip to
either Greymouth or Arthur’s Pass. A five hour stopover at
the pass gives visitors time to explore the National Park. For
those who want to stay awhile there is ample accommodation and a
restaurant, café and bar.
The remote valleys and high alpine meadows of Arthur’s Pass
provide an opportunity for you to experience perfect peace and
solitude.
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