middle earth
We arrived in New Zealand just over six weeks ago. Aside from the very first weekend that we spent in Akaroa, we have not had a chance to get out of Christchurch at all. This has been a source of increasing frustration for me. I moved here on blind faith, now I want to see some of the country! Since we don't have a car, it's not easy for us to just pick up and go somewhere.
Today though, we had the opportunity to go to Arthur's Pass with a friend from England who we met here a couple of weeks ago. She recently moved to Christchurch too, and has a car. Yay, transportation!
Arthur's Pass is about two thirds of the way from Christchurch (east coast) to Greymouth (west coast). The weather in Christchurch today was grey and overcast all day, but the clouds broke up and the weather turned out great at the pass. It's really quite picturesque and my photos don't do it justice. There are a ton of walking tracks ranging from short half hour walks to multi-day treks. There is a lot to explore and it's so great to have that kind of park so close to home!
Anyway, a few of my photos are on flickr.
Today though, we had the opportunity to go to Arthur's Pass with a friend from England who we met here a couple of weeks ago. She recently moved to Christchurch too, and has a car. Yay, transportation!
Arthur's Pass is about two thirds of the way from Christchurch (east coast) to Greymouth (west coast). The weather in Christchurch today was grey and overcast all day, but the clouds broke up and the weather turned out great at the pass. It's really quite picturesque and my photos don't do it justice. There are a ton of walking tracks ranging from short half hour walks to multi-day treks. There is a lot to explore and it's so great to have that kind of park so close to home!
Anyway, a few of my photos are on flickr.
how close is "so close to home"? And what about carnivorous indigenous life? Any wild cats or some kind of bastardized dog?
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ghewgill
2006-05-08T06:38:30Z
Arthur's Pass is about two hours drive from home. There are about three ski areas that are closer, too (looking forward to that in a month or two).
The only native mammal in New Zealand is a small bat. There are no snakes at all, and only two poisonous spiders (both imported from Australia and rare in NZ). About the only thing that will hurt you are the mosquitoes and sand flies.
The only native mammal in New Zealand is a small bat. There are no snakes at all, and only two poisonous spiders (both imported from Australia and rare in NZ). About the only thing that will hurt you are the mosquitoes and sand flies.
ehintz
2006-05-09T06:32:58Z
Mmm, Arthur's Pass rocks...
We did well in that regard, we came here on a 1mo vacation before moving here, so we've seen a good bit of the country. Just did South Island again in January with my Dad and stepmom while they were here too. All we're really missing at this point is the Cormandel and Northland.
We did well in that regard, we came here on a 1mo vacation before moving here, so we've seen a good bit of the country. Just did South Island again in January with my Dad and stepmom while they were here too. All we're really missing at this point is the Cormandel and Northland.
2006-05-08T00:50:06Z