Kea in Arthur's Pass
Image: Shellie Evans | ©

Kiwi Guardians in Arthur's Pass National Park

Introduction

Go high up into the mountain pass that Māori first used to travel from east to west in search of pounamu/greenstone. Travel by car, train or bus, then go and see one of the horse drawn coaches that carried passengers through this rugged landscape in the 1800s - the trip was much bumpier back then!

Highlights

  • Discover diverse birdlife – watch kea, the mischievous mountain parrot, and hear great spotted kiwi at night.
  • Experience the 131 metre Devil’s Punchbowl waterfall from a distance or get up close on the viewing platform – it's even better on a rainy day.
  • See dramatic changes in the forest (and weather!) from the eastern and western sides of the pass.

Get ready

Download the Arthur's Pass adventure map (PDF, 380K) and check out what you can do.

Go and explore

Look out for the Guardian Post when you get there. On it you'll find a special code word - write it down.

Getting there: Arthur's Pass is on SH 73 between Christchurch and Greymouth. It can be reached by car, train or bus.

Claim your reward

Tell us the Arthur's Pass code word to receive a Kiwi Guardians certificate and medal for this adventure.

Put the medal on your back pack or pencil case to show everyone the adventure you've had.

Each Kiwi Guardians place has a different medal - see how many you can collect.

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