South Island Canterbury Region 2021 Arthur's Pass National Park to Springfield

Arthur's Pass National Park to Springfield
Canterbury Region South Island

New Zealand

2021

Arthur's Pass National Park

Arriving in Arthurs Pass village with a weather forecast predicting rain and snow, we booked into the Doc Camp in town and close to the walking tracks.

After lunch starting from camp we did a walk to Devils Punch Bowl Falls, very impressive falls with well-maintained walking tracks. We checked out a side-walk taking in the historic power station site.

Viaduct

Doc Camp

Arthur's Pass National Park

Arriving in Arthurs Pass village with a weather forecast predicting rain and snow, we booked into the Doc Camp in town and close to the walking tracks.

View from the bridge

Devil's Punch Bowl Falls

Kea

Arthur’s Pass National Park

We are enjoying our stay at Arthur’s Pass, the weather hasn't been the greatest but we have made the best of it and managed to get the walks done.

We walked the Arthur's Pass Walking Trail in the mist, 11km return 3 & half hours.

Tomorrow we move to stay at the next Doc Camp, probably won't have internet or phone reception that's usually a bonus at a Doc camp.

Bridal Veil Falls

Jacks Hut

Bealey Chasm

Dobson Memorial

Lake Misery Track closed for repairs

4 engines returning for the next load

Hint of a sunset tonight

Arthur’s Pass National Park

We had one last walk around town before heading to Klondyke Doc Camp 8kms out of town, we still have internet and phone coverage so that's a plus with being remote with alpine views out the window.

We are camped by the highway in full sun, across the road there is camping for a couple of km in the shade at this time of year. We walked to the end of the gravel road where we were rewarded with a lovely view.

We decided to drive back to Old Coach Road small loop walk before parking up for the night.

Walk across the road from camp

Old Coach Road loop walk

Tonight's park

Arthur’s Pass National Park

We had a wet day at Klondykze Doc Camp yesterday so another day off.

This morning we woke to a motorhome like ours outside so had a chat with the neighbors until lunch.

Leaving camp we parked over the bridge to walk 6km - 1 & half hours return on the O'Malley Track, it's on the opposite side of the river to our last walk but with clouds this time restricting the view.

Tonight's park Lake Pearson Doc Camp.

Meeting the neighbors

Today's walk

6km - 1 & half hours

Tonight's park

Tonight's view

Craigieburn Forest Park

Lake Pearson

A few photos from this morning before moving on.

Sunrise

Craigieburn Forest Park

Cave Stream

We have had a wonderful day just the right amount of walking for us today.

First, stop Cave Stream.

A pleasant stroll with fascinating viewpoints. If you are into caving this is the place for you, but not for us. Caving here requires getting wet.

Kura Tāwhiti Conservation Area / Castle Hill

We drove from Cave Creek to this interesting walk around the Limestone Boulders with extensive views over the Waimakariri Basin.

You can spend as much time as you like exploring this area, we spent an hour strolling around the boulders.

Kura Tawhiti/Castle Hill is getting upgraded.

The upgrade work includes cultural interpretation, planting restoration, track work and picnic area.

It will be interesting to come back when it is finished for another look.

Porters Pass / Springfield

Our final drive for today was over Porters Pass, there are plenty of walks to do along the way left for next time.

We needed water the closest was Springfield so staying for a couple of nights at Kowai Pass Domain Camping Ground on campsaver, with snow warnings for the next two days happy to be here.

Kids would love the lights here and it's not even Christmas, made us smile.