Arthur's Pass National Park and Craigieburn Forest Park
In the heart or the Southern Alps lies Arthur's Pass National Park with Craigieburn Forest Park on its southern end. It are parks featuring rugged mountains, glaciers, (beach) forest, rivers, lakes and alpine vegetation. Tramping, climbing, Hunting, wild camping and short walks can be done in this beautiful area. Besides that you can make the scenic drive through it: The Great Alpine Highway. In the heart of the national park Arhur's Pass Village is situated. Here, information (DOC), some food and recreational activities are available.
Outdoor
Caving
Cave Stream Scenic Reserve is a 362 meter long cave which goes under the highway. It will take approximately 45 minutes to walk from the beginning to the end of the cave, returning to you car can be done above the ground; you can exit the cave. It is recommendable to go with a guide and not by your own; although some are doing this. If you do go by your own, take 2 torches and do not go when it is raining or just has been raining or will probably start raining within the hour; the river is flooding quickly.
Climbing
Castle Hill, situated in Craigieburn Forest Park, is an excellent place to do some climbing. This area is blessed with good climbing rocks and with excellent views.
Scenic driving routes
Highway number 73 is the Great Alpine Highway. This way is going from Christchurch to The Tasman Sea (Westcoast). It takes a bit more than 200 kilometers, a few hours, of driving. This is New Zealand's highest pass with is top exceeding 900 meter.
Tramping
There are lots of tramping opportunities in this area. The Goat Pass Track is for example a very popular tramp. This tramp takes 2 day is moderate concerning its difficulty and can best be walked in between October and April. This track will bring you above the bush line. Other walks are for example the Cass-Lagoon Saddles Track (2 days, moderate) and Waimakariri-Harman Pass Route (4 days, demanding).
An example of a day walk is Avalanche Peak, this walk is considered as one of the nicest day walks in New Zealand. It takes 7 hours and is moderate concerning its difficulty. Other day walks are Temple Basin, Mt Bealey and Mt Aicken. Castle Rock is also a very nice area to walk around.
For more information about the many walking opportunities in Arthur's Pass National Park and Craigieburn Forest Park please visit the DOC in Arthur's Pass or go to for example a DOC in Christchurch.
Culture and Entertainment
Museum
DOC Arthur's Pass Village
The DOC in Arthur's Pass Village has an interesting but small exhibition about Arthur's Pass National Park (its History).