"the National Park" Arthur's Pass National Park Favorite Tip by pepples46

Favorite thing: Arthur's Pass is the 3rd 'oldest' National Park in New Zealand and the first in the South Island. in 2004 the Park celebrated its 75th Birthday and is still going strong, getting better and better. the high Mountains, steep Gorges and braided Rivers. the Waimakariri the longest, coldest and unpredictable of them all......the Maori Name of the River meaning: Wai = Water, makariri....very cold !!!!!!
the National Park has many varied vegetation and supports many native birds....with the biggest clown of all...the Kea! besides him/her there is a wonderful time in late spring when the Rata tree blossoms. people from all over come to see the red wave of the Rata flowers.... at this place where the foto is taken...Otira Gorge. the Railwaytunnel runs 8.5km beneath the pass and the new Viaduct......have a look at the second pic


Fondest memory: although not an easy road drive, one has to be constantly on its toes, despite that...it is one of my favorite daytrips out of Christchurch. a picnic along the way and then a walk off the road, I come home relaxed and pretty clear in my head.
and one of the most beautiful times to visit the National Park is just before Christmas, when the Rata Tree is in full Blossom...like the Pohutukawa, and at first sight, could be mistaken for.
enlarge the pic