Arthurs Pass National Park

Straddling the main divide of the Southern Alps between Christchurch and the West Coast, Arthur's Pass National Park contains a mix of high alpine terrain, braided rivers, and beech forest. The kea, the world's only alpine parrot, is commonly encountered here and is the park's most recognisable resident. Several alpine hikes depart from the small settlement at the pass summit, ranging from day walks to demanding multi-day traverses.