Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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
LANDMARK
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.
Cave Stream Scenic Reserve
CAVE
(
www.doc.govt.nz
)
Near Broken River Bridge, 2km past Castle Hill, it's well worth stop-
ping to take a look at the large circular outlet of this 594m-long cave, even if you're not
planning 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 de-
tails, 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.
Craigieburn Forest Park
FOREST
(
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 Is-
land 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
advanced skiers. Ski fields include Mt Cheeseman, Broken River and Craigieburn Valley.
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.
Arthur's Pass National Park
NATIONAL PARK
(
www.doc.govt.nz
)
In 1923 this vast (1143 sq km) alpine wilderness became the South Is-
land'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
booklet details dozens of walks as well as backcountry huts and camping areas. The new-
