Arthur's Pass/Southern Alps Full Day Tour

The naturally flowing, braided Waimakariri River is a magnificent sight as are the limestone rock formations of Castle Hill. . . . . I have always been fascinated by the rich history and stories of those who have passed this way. . . . from the ancient Polynesians hunting Moa (the tallest bird to ever live on earth) to the gold miners forging a route to the West Coast to modern day movie makers. Arthur's Pass National Park and alpine village are in the centre of the Southern Alps. The village is surrounded by native beech forests, waterfalls and steep enticing valleys with rich native birdlife. We hope to meet the joker of the forest . . . the kea. . . . NZ's cheeky native parrot and the only alpine parrot in the world (they will undo your shoelace or eat the windscreen wipers of a car given half a chance!) What I like best about this tour is the variety. . . . . volcanoes, vast plains, the dry east of the island and the wet west (up to 12m. or 36 ft PA), beech and rain forests and snowy mountains.

-Our tour takes approx. 2. 5 hours each way and starts at the Port of Lyttelton, in an ancient volcanic harbour. We drive across the fertile Canterbury plains (about 50 miles) and up into the Southern Alps passing over Porter's Pass (just under 1000m or 3000 ft) and along the Craigieburn Range to the tiny alpine village of Arthur's Pass. At this point we will have 75% crossed the width of the South Island. -Lunch here in a cafe. - Time permitting we can travel another 20 min. to the divide to look into the rain forests of the West Coast. - The return trip is back along the same route across the Canterbury Plains with stops at points of interest along the way and for photos. - Total driving time : 5 hours OPTIONS (time permitting) : Christchurch Tour, Port Hills Summit Road (views over Christchurch and to the Southern Alps), International Antarctic Centre, Jet-boating on the Waimakariri River . . arrange in advance. . may involve some waiting! -Feel free to contact me if you would like to customize this tour!