Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Heading west from Springfield, the landscape starts expanding until the highway is hid-
den within the mountainous folds of the Torlesse and Craigieburn Ranges. Just when you
think it couldn't get more spectacular, views open up across the braided Waimakariri
River.
Arthur's Pass village
(
www.arthurspass.com
;
population 62) is 4km from the pass of the
same name. At 900m, it's NZ's highest-altitude settlement and a handy base for tramps,
climbs and skiing. To say that it rains a lot up here is an understatement.
Maori used this pass to cross the Southern Alps long before its 'discovery' by Arthur
Dobson in 1864. The Westland gold rush created the need for a dependable crossing over
the Alps from Christchurch, and the coach road was completed within a year. Later, the
coal and timber trade demanded a railway, duly completed in 1923.
Sights & Activities
Castle Hill
The jagged limestone outcrops of Castle Hill loom above the highway, roughly 33km
from Springfield, looking surprisingly reminiscent of an ancient ruin. Unsurprisingly, this
area is a favourite of rock climbers and boulderers. Scenes from
The Chronicles of Narnia
were filmed in the area.
LANDMARK
Cave Stream Scenic Reserve
(
www.doc.govt.nz
)
Near Broken River Bridge, 2km past Castle Hill, it's well worth stopping
to take a look at the large circular outlet of this 594m-long cave, even if you're not plan-
ning to explore its depths. If a one-hour walk in waist-deep cold water through the pitch-
black cave sounds appealing, take all the necessary precautions (check the water level and
take a helmet, at least one light source per person, spare batteries etc); for details, pick up
DOC's
Cave Stream Scenic Reserve
pamphlet. It's recommended that you walk up the
outlet end and exit via the fixed ladder beside the 3m waterfall at the inlet.
CAVE
Craigieburn Forest Park
(
www.doc.govt.nz
)
Beech forest covers the lower slopes and valleys of this mountainous area,
giving way to tussock and alpine scrub on the peaks. You may spot some South Island
edelweiss, karearea (NZ falcons) and kea (native parrots). The Craigieburn Range has
several peaks over 2000m and is one of NZ's best skiing areas, with slopes that suit ad-
vanced skiers. Ski fields include Mt Cheeseman, Broken River and Craigieburn Valley.
FOREST
