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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
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