Number of nights: 1 | Distance: 149 KM (5,978 KM Total) |
Arthur’s Pass is a narrow valley across the Southern Alps, connecting the north and south coasts of the South Island. Even though we didn’t take the pass all the way through, it was interesting to know that we were just a short distance away from Fox Glacier, which felt like it was on the other side of the country.
We camped not far from the Arthur’s Pass National Park Visitor Centre, which was tucked right alongside the highway and conveniently near two waterfalls: Avalanche Creek Waterfall and The Devil’s Punchbowl. Strangely enough there are no photos of the former, so I’m not sure whether we went to see it (which surprises me because we would never skip a waterfall) or we just weren’t impressed enough to capture the moment.
The following morning we decided to drive partially through the pass, which I remember as being quite a hair raising experience. It wasn’t the condition of the road that made it scary (it was beautifully maintained), but more the thought of barreling down a steep straightaway only to hit a particularly sharp turn at the bottom and the brakes giving out. Thankfully old Fernie kept us safe and pulled us through all the hills, bends and switchbacks safely!
