Introducing Arthur’s Pass
Arthur’s Pass village is 4km from the pass of the same name and is NZ’s highest-altitude settlement. The 924m pass was used by Maoris to reach Westland, but its European discovery was made by Arthur Dobson in 1864, when the Westland gold rush created the need for a crossing over the Southern Alps from Christchurch. A coach road was completed within a year, but later on the coal and timber trade demanded a railway, duly completed in 1923.
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The town is a handy base for tramps, climbs, views and winter-time skiing in Arthur’s Pass National Park. It’s a good (though long) day trip from Greymouth or Christchurch.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Itinerary suggestions for 3 weeks in NZ.. help please
by Ozziegiraffe 31 January 2011
When I was travelling by car with a friend, we sometimes picked up other travellers heading in the same direction when staying at hostels.…
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RE: Yet another Itinerary - NZ South Island
by ianw6705 30 August 2010
We just went from Greymouth (by car) up to Arthur's Pass, spent the night, and then headed back down to Hokitika and then on to the glaciers…
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RE: Tranz Scenic Rail Pass
by Captain_Courageous 26 March 2010
Having ridden on the Tranz Coastal and Tranz Alpine, they were both very good. You can break your jounrey at Kaikoura (half way between…
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