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Prior to undertaking this hike it is important to visit the local DOC office. This is located in the village and provides up to date weather forecasts, information on track conditions and trip intention forms which must be removed when you return. The DOC office also doubles as a visitors centre and seeks to promote the areas diverse environmental and historical background. The Avalanche Peak Track starts from here and after crossing over Avalanche Creek begins to climb. The hike to the bush line is relentless and passes through mountain beech trees before breaking out into tussock grass and alpine meadows. Wildlife thrives here and bellbirds and fantails flourish in this pristine environment.
The village of Arthur’s Pass can be reached by road or rail by taking State Highway 73 or the Tranzalpine Express from either Christchurch or Greymouth and is situated at the heart of the National Park. The pass itself was first discovered by native Maori and used as a trade route between the east and west coasts. A permanent road was constructed in 1865 although this can be closed in bad weather. The village has accommodation to suit all budgets with a camp site located near the DOC office. There are also a number of places to eat as well as a village store and petrol station.
Conserving the Environment
Mountain Peaks and Glaciers
Visibility greatly improves above the bush line. The Avalanche Peak Track joins up with Scotts Track just before the final ridge walk to the summit. Both tracks are marked with poles. This last part of the climb can be dangerous in bad weather but the panoramic views from the summit are stunning. At a height of 2275 meters Mt Rolleston towers to the north with Crow Glacier below it. On a clear day Mt Cook [link widoczny dla zalogowanych], 3754 meters [link widoczny dla zalogowanych], can be seen in the distance. This is also where you are most likely to encounter kea; a native alpine parrot with a mischievous and inquisitive nature. The decent down Scotts Track is easier and more breaks in the bush provide good vantage points on the return to the village.
Connecting East and West
The hike begins from the remote village of Arthur’s Pass which is situated high in the Southern Alps. Arthur's Pass National Park, like all New Zealand's national parks, is run and maintained by the Department Of Conservation (DOC). This is a tough hike which will take the best part of a day for those with a good level of fitness to complete. It covers a distance of 7 kilometres with a climb of 1833 meters and although the hike is easily reached from the village the gradient is steep from the outset.