Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Canterbury, Arthur's Pass &
Aoraki/Mt Cook
Why Go?
New Zealand's largest region, Canterbury comprises vast agricultural plains hemmed in by
the Pacific Ocean on one side, and the Southern Alps on the other. As scenic as its epic coast-
line may be, Canterbury is all about the mountains, and the other fascinating geological land-
forms - such as Banks Peninsula - that fill in the big picture. And this is big-picture territory,
famous for vast horizons on the plains, and bird's-eye views from the peaks of its inland
parks and reserves.
The tramps in this region are dominated by the mighty Southern Alps, and they pass
through them - in Arthur's Pass and Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park - or close enough to ap-
preciate them from other angles. Between them they offer a diverse range of tramping experi-
ences - taking in farmland, high country, regenerating and native forest, waterfalls and
achievable climbs to peaks that will make you feel like you're on top of the world.
When to Go
Lowland Canterbury is one of the driest and flattest areas of NZ. The moisture-laden wester-
lies from the Tasman Sea hit the Southern Alps and dump their rainfall on the West Coast (an
impressive annual 5000mm in places) before reaching Canterbury (which collects a dribble,
only 750mm or so).
For the most part, though, you'll be tramping in the midst of the mountains which, when
they're not attracting bad weather, are creating it. The Southern Alps have a volatile climate,
where you can expect to encounter cold, wind and rain at any time of year. The optimum time
to tramp in the South Island mountains is December through April.
Best Huts
A
Stony Bay Cottage (
Click here
)
A
Woolshed Creek Hut (
Click here
)
