Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The DOC website lists numerous day walks (pick up a copy of the
Craigieburn Forest
Park Day Walks
pamphlet), longer tramps and mountain-bike tracks to suit intermediate
to advanced riders.
NATIONAL PARK
Arthur's Pass National Park
(
www.doc.govt.nz
)
In 1923 this vast (1143 sq km) alpine wilderness became the South Island's
first national park. Day tramps offer endless views of snowcapped peaks, many of them
over 2000m; the highest is Mt Murchison (2400m). DOC's
Discover Arthur's Pass
book-
let details dozens of walks as well as backcountry huts and camping areas. The newest
track is the
Arthur's Pass Walkway
, a safe and reasonably easy track from the village to the
Dobson Memorial at the summit of the pass (2½ hours return).
Other options include the
Devils Punchbowl walking track
(one hour return) to a 131m water-
fall, and the steep walk to beautiful views at
Temple Basin ski field
(three hours return). The
Bealey Spur track
(four to five hours return) offers expansive views of the Waimakariri River
valley and surrounding mountains. The pleasant
Dobson Nature Walk
(30 minutes return) is
best from November to February when the alpine flowers are blooming.
Fit trampers might like to tackle the
Avalanche Peak track
(eight hours return). Longer
tramps with superb alpine backdrops include the
Goat Pass track
(two days) and the longer
and more difficult
Harman Pass
and
Harpers Pass tracks
. These tracks require previous tramp-
ing experience as flooding can make the rivers dangerous and the weather is extremely
changeable; ask DOC first. For specific information on weather conditions see
Rubicon Horse Treks
( 03-318 8886;
www.rubiconvalley.co.nz
;
534 Rubicon Rd)
Operating from a sheep farm 6km from
Springfield, Rubicon offers hour-long farm treks ($50), two-hour river, valley or sunset
rides ($85), and six-hour mountain trail rides ($250).
HORSE RIDING
Sleeping
Springfield to Bealey
Smylies Accommodation
HOSTEL
$
