Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
est track is the
Arthur's Pass Walkway
, a safe and reasonably easy track from the vil-
lage 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 waterfall, 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 re-
quire previous tramping experience as flooding can make the rivers dangerous and the
weather is extremely changeable; ask DOC first. For specific information on weather
conditions see
www.softrock.co.nz
.
Rubicon Horse Treks
HORSE RIDING
( 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).
Sleeping
Springfield to Bealey
Smylies Accommodation
HOSTEL $
( 03-318 4740;
www.smylies.co.nz
;
5653 West Coast Rd, Springfield; dm/s/d $30/50/70;
)
This welcoming YHA-associated hostel has a large communal kitchen and a vast
book and DVD library. There's also a handful of self-contained motel units ($85 to $160)
and a three-bedroom cottage ($220). In winter, packages including ski-equipment rental
and ski-field transport are on offer.
Flock Hill Lodge
MOTEL, HOSTEL $$$
(
03-318 8196;
www.flockhill.co.nz
;
Great Alpine Hwy, Craigieburn Valley; dm/d $31/155;
)
In a tranquil spot close to Craigieburn Forest Park and Lake Pearson, this high-country
sheep station has a cosy bar-restaurant, comfortable two-bedroom motel units and large
cottages with kitchenettes. Unfussy backpackers can stay in rustic shearers' quarters.
