To get to Arthurs pass, we had to backtrack back past Christchurch 146 km west over the Canterbury Plains, working our way up into the mountains. This route is some of the most scenic in New Zealand - apparently nowhere else in New Zealand has the perfect climb from sea to mountains. This is where the famous Transalpine train crosses from East to West Coast. It was amazing driving through the snow capped mountains either side of us. We were really lucky as it had snowed just before we got there - it was perfect!

We stopped for lunch at Lake Lyndon, a big lake with mountains surrounding it. It was really nice as no one else was there, just me Chris and the tranquil scenery. We also stopped at Castle Hill station, where there was huge rock formations, surrounded by a farm - where we got a bird's eye view of sheep herding from the top of the rocks, with a cute border collie herding them. Chris and I looked down from the rocks and thought of our bungy, so scary!! Moving onto Castle hill village, we popped in to have a quick peep; it was the most beautiful tiny village, full of luxurious log cabins in between a valley and with surrounding mountains. I daren't imaging how much they cost!!

We passed Lake Pearson and Grasmere to get to Arthurs Pass, the highest town in New Zealand. It was so scenic and such a small town. We parked up in a close by car park and set up for the night ready for a hard walk the next day. While here, we wanted to do the highest one day summit walk there was. So after some advice from the info center we set off for Avalanche Peek at 1833 m, joining us was two German lads that we had previously got chatting to at our hostel in Christchurch. The start of the walk didn't even allow us a warm-up; it was a hard climb from start to finish at Scott's Track. After the first 30 minutes, we were surrounded by amazing views of the mountains, with clouds rolling off them, and the beautiful Devil's Punchbowl waterfall cascading off the opposite mountains cliff edge - such an amazing view!! Further on, it got even harder, but for our achievement we were rewarded with even more beautiful views of Arthurs Pass and Kelly's Range, East to Mount Cassidy and O'Malley, and South to Black Range - Spectacular! After some food, we had to follow the orange stake markings, the route from there toward the summit. We were told to keep going, as far as our time and weather conditions would allow - but seeing as it was a perfect day this was not a problem. As we got higher we reached the snow, and the climbing got even steeper, along large ridges. We had to take care as there were steep drop offs into McGrath Creek, especially with the snow as you could put your feet on a fresh patch and end up knee deep. So we had to stay on the clearly marked footprints of other walkers.

The final ridge to the summit was truly magnificent, covered in snow like a bridge... allowing us to get to the sumit. From here, the 360° panoramic views of the Southern Alps were just breathtaking. At the top, the clouds rolled away, and the sky was crystal clear. We were so lucky - we could see across the whole mountain range, what an achievement. Whilst taking it all in, we sat on a rock, sipped out tea and ate lunch whilst talking to our fellow walkers. After about an hour at the summit, it was time to head back down - the scary park I think! Eek. It was hard on the knees, but we managed to get down successfully. We were well and truly knackered!! It was time for a traditional pasta and meat dish to replenish ourselves...
Whilst stopping off for a wash the next morning, we were quite lucky to see two Kea birds - New Zealand's mountain parrots. Apparently you have to keep an eye on the young rascally males as they are known for getting into people's belongings... one even tried to nibble the top of our campervan! A little further on from Arthurs Pass, we wanted to check out the Otira Viaduct overlooking the gorge, an amazing engineering feature. It travels 440 m down the valley, and stands 100m above the valley floor. Before leaving Arthurs Pass, we had been told to check out the tiny chapel as there would be a surprise waiting inside. It was only tiny, and seemed like a normal church... we couldn't figure out what the surprise was - until I noticed that outside the window at the back of the alter in the church was a beautiful cascading waterfall. What an awesome setting for a church. This finalized our trip to Arthurs pass, showing us the most amazing and best scenery since the start of our trip. xx