Ron Laughlin The Ultimate New Zealand Travel Guide
Arthur's Pass
One of the most startling drives in New Zealand. if on the West Coast your trip across the Arthurs Pass will begin south of Greymouth turning east on Route 73 at Kumara Junction. For a great side road trip turn left at Kumara on the Kumara Inchbonnie Road that will take you to Lake Brunner and the Lake Brunner Scenic Reserve. You will come back out on Route 73 just south of Inchbonnie to continue along to Arthurs Pass (about a 46km drive whether on the side road or 73).
A place to stop for a personal fuel up is at Jackson's Pub. Best pies in the country.
It is 29 kms to Arthurs Pass from this turnoff east.You will be passing through Arthurs Pass National Park and the Southern Alps region. Have your cameras ready.
One of the great engineering feats in the world was accomplished creating the Otira Gorge Road. Stop there for photos and visit the local Kea birds who will come out to say hello.
As you get further east you pass through the Craigieburn Forest Park. (85 kms from Arthurs Pass to Springfield).
An excellent place to stop for coffee and a rest at the Springfield Cafe on the Main Road.
The Springfield area has much to offer. When you stop at the Springfield Café be sure to pick up the information on how to get up close and personal traveling deep into the foothills of the Southern Alps charging through the Waimakariri River on a canyon safari via a Waimak Jet Boat. Just ten minutes out of town. The drive there is worth going. An alpine wonderland. The scenery up the river and through the canyon is a rare opportunity to experience the true wilderness of New Zealand.
This one hour tour is more than worth it plus the fun of jet boating thrown in for fun. To really get a complete picture of this area of the Southern Alps you can’t go wrong with a full day adventure that includes the Waimak Jet Boat coupled with a 4x4 Unimog Safari . A stop at a café for lunch then take the world famous Tranz Scenic train ride through the more than spectacular Arthur’s Pass back to Christchurch. This is the ultimate tour for the area for sure.
There is also an optional helicopter flight if desired. Contact Warner & Gritt Raymond – phone: 03-318-4881 or have a look at their website: www.waimakalpinejet.co.nz Check it out!
Now it is into Christchurch.............or if you have been there perhaps a side route via route 77 through Methven and then to Ashburton on Route One......(about 70kms).
Arthurs Pass Information
Arthurs Pass National Park
Wilderness Lodge
Grasmere Lodge
Craigieburn Alpine Safaris
A place to stop for a personal fuel up is at Jackson's Pub. Best pies in the country.
It is 29 kms to Arthurs Pass from this turnoff east.You will be passing through Arthurs Pass National Park and the Southern Alps region. Have your cameras ready.
One of the great engineering feats in the world was accomplished creating the Otira Gorge Road. Stop there for photos and visit the local Kea birds who will come out to say hello.
As you get further east you pass through the Craigieburn Forest Park. (85 kms from Arthurs Pass to Springfield).
An excellent place to stop for coffee and a rest at the Springfield Cafe on the Main Road.
The Springfield area has much to offer. When you stop at the Springfield Café be sure to pick up the information on how to get up close and personal traveling deep into the foothills of the Southern Alps charging through the Waimakariri River on a canyon safari via a Waimak Jet Boat. Just ten minutes out of town. The drive there is worth going. An alpine wonderland. The scenery up the river and through the canyon is a rare opportunity to experience the true wilderness of New Zealand.
This one hour tour is more than worth it plus the fun of jet boating thrown in for fun. To really get a complete picture of this area of the Southern Alps you can’t go wrong with a full day adventure that includes the Waimak Jet Boat coupled with a 4x4 Unimog Safari . A stop at a café for lunch then take the world famous Tranz Scenic train ride through the more than spectacular Arthur’s Pass back to Christchurch. This is the ultimate tour for the area for sure.
There is also an optional helicopter flight if desired. Contact Warner & Gritt Raymond – phone: 03-318-4881 or have a look at their website: www.waimakalpinejet.co.nz Check it out!
Now it is into Christchurch.............or if you have been there perhaps a side route via route 77 through Methven and then to Ashburton on Route One......(about 70kms).
Arthurs Pass Information
Arthurs Pass National Park
Wilderness Lodge
Grasmere Lodge
Craigieburn Alpine Safaris
