Arthurs Pass National Park – full day field trip.
Travel by bus to Arthur’s Pass National Park situated on the main divide. Explore the beech forest and bird life, rivers and waterfalls on well-formed tracks, including the famous Devil’s Punchbowl waterfall. For history buffs the historic walk in the village illustrates its history from its inception as a home for railway workers on the Otira tunnel through to a more recent focus as a village within the national park. The park visitors centre in the village provides good information. A packed lunch can be eaten in the Park, and coffee is available at the store.
For 30 people - split into 2 groups of 15.
Bus to drop one group off at the DOC visitor centre car park, for:
- Devil’s Punchbowl Walking Track
- Arthur’s Pass Walking Track (to Bridal Veil Falls lookout)
- Millennium Walk (Avalanche Creek Falls)
- Village Historic Walk
The second group will head to Temple Basin car park for:
- Arthur’s Pass Walking Track (start with Dobsons Nature walk, down to Jack’s hut and onwards towards Bridal Veil Creek)
- Bealey Valley track
- Temple Basin track
The second group will return to the village for lunch, after which the first group will head up to Temple Basin.
Lunchtime – picnic spots in village or cafes for coffee etc.
Timing: Leave St Margarets 0730, arrive at Arthurs Pass 0930, first location until near 12midday. Lunch 12-1230. Second location until 3pm(around 2.5 hours per location). Bus leaves for Christchurch just after 3pm, arrive St Margarets 5pm in time for exhibition opening and evening speaker.
Estimated cost: $105 (includes packed lunch). To be confirmed prior to registrations opening.