Christchurch & Arthur's Pass

The first morning after we arrived at Christchurch, we took the Kiwi Rail (train) to Arthur’s Pass in the central mountains of the southern island. We explored the scenery as our tour guide drove us back toward Christchurch. The next day, we took a walking tour around Christchurch. On that tour, we saw some historical buildings and shopping areas and visited Hagley Park, including the Botanical Gardens. Interestingly, there is still rebuilding ongoing due to the 2011 earthquake.

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Grass plain with many trees and hills in the distance.

Photo Taken From Train

In the early morning, we boarded a train, the Kiwi Rail TranzAlpine, which travels from Christchurch to Greymouth. We got off at Arthur’s Pass.

Near Arthur's Pass a small brook surrounded by moss covered rocks and ferns on either side.

Hiking Trail Near Arthur's Pass

Along the guided drive back to Christchurch, we stopped at several sights.

Dirt road leads to Castle Hill Rocks which are tall rocks sitting on a grass hill.

Walking to Castle Hill Rocks

Castle Hill contains an array of giant limestone rocks. One can walk between the rock formations.

The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora

Now, this building has multiple uses, including a Cinema—nevertheless, it is a beautifully maintained building.

Christchurch Botanical Gardens.

Christchurch was our last stop, and this was our third or fourth Garden. Still, it was beautiful.

A snowy-rocky mountain in the distance with some trees on the right.

Another TranzAlpine Picture

The view from the train was, for the most part, excellent. But the recorded train narration was all but inaudible.

More of the Hiking Trail

This trail followed near a stream with lush vegetation, predominately moss and ferns. NZ has over 200 species of ferns.

Castle Hill rocks, some dirt walking paths surrounded by a dry grass hill.

Walking Around Castle Hill

A popular activity is to climb these rocks. Having no such skills, we only walked among the stones.

The Great Hall at the Arts Center

This great hall has some very intricate stained-glass windows.

Avon River. on the left a Boat House building and on the right trees and grass.

Avon River and Boat House

The Avon River winds through Christchurch and Hagley Park, and tourists can take a boat ride on it. We walked.

Arthur's Pass Chapel

We departed the train at Arthur’s Pass. This chapel is noted for the barely visible Avalanche Creek Waterfall behind it.

Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall

A walking trail which crosses the Bealey River leads up to the falls.

Pou Whenhua statues on poles near Castle Hill

Pou Whenhua Castle Hill

Some statue-busts of Maori, I don’t recall why it is next to Castle Hill. (Click image to expand)

Peacock Fountain Near Hagley Park

This is just a strange statue located near the entrance to Hagley Park and the Arboretum.

Bridge of Remembrance Arch

It is dedicated to those who died in World War I and is a memorial for those who served in both World Wars as well as subsequent conflicts.