Arthurs Pass and Southern Alps Day Excursion from Port Lyttelton or Christchurch

This day excursion takes us across the Canterbury Plains around 50 miles to Porters Pass (just under 1000 m and higher than Arthurs Pass) and into the Southern Alps. Mountain lakes and wide braided rivers pass through ancient glacial valleys. After about 2.5 hours we reach Arthurs Pass National Park and its beech forests. We drive to the top of the pass and divide looking over into the rainforests of the West Coast, then stop in AP village here for lunch.Time permitting we have a quick tour of Christchurch on the return trip.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre, State Highway 73, Arthur's Pass National Park 7654 New Zealand

A centre giving information on the geology, flora and fauna of Arthurs Pass, as well as a souvenir shop

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Christchurch Cathedral, Cathedral Square, Christchurch New Zealand

Photo stop

Duration: 15 minutes

Pass By: Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Rolleston Ave, Christchurch New Zealand

Large trees from all over the world and well-maintained gardens....we can stop if time permits. The Arts Centre and Great Hall are also here and worth a visit (Gothic Architecture).