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20 <strong>Selwyn</strong> District Residents' Guide <strong>2018</strong><br />
C ASTLE HILL – ARTHUR’S PASS<br />
Main Highway 73 leads you not only<br />
over Porters Pass and through some<br />
of the best scenery in New Zealand<br />
but also to the high country villages<br />
of Castle Hill and Arthur’s Pass. Along<br />
this most spectacular drive you will<br />
pass many historical sites along with<br />
some amazing lakes.<br />
Lake Lyndon, a small lake near<br />
Castle Hill, is popular for rainbow<br />
trout fishing. Lake Lyndon becomes<br />
very popular in summer due to its<br />
close proximately to local towns of<br />
Springfield, Sheffield and Darfield for<br />
water sports. Winter at the lake can<br />
also be spectacular and can make the<br />
perfect photo opportunity as the lake<br />
regularly freezes due to its elevation<br />
and location.<br />
Nestled under the Craigieburn<br />
Range, a high alpine village sits. Castle<br />
Hill village is a most picturesque place<br />
in both summer and winter. It has a<br />
small number of permanent residents<br />
along with a number of holiday homes<br />
(used extensively during the winter<br />
ski season). The village is the centre<br />
for many who participate in the many<br />
recreational activities in the area,<br />
including exploring the distinctive<br />
limestone boulders of Castle Hill, skiing<br />
and mountain biking. The boulders<br />
are located within the Kura Tawhiti<br />
Conservation Area.<br />
Lake Pearson runs parallel with State<br />
Highway 73 and is easily accessible. At<br />
195ha it is the largest of the Pearson,<br />
or Waimakariri, trout fishing lakes.<br />
Fishing from a dinghy or kayak, not<br />
mechanically propelled, is permitted<br />
on this lake.<br />
Cave Stream Scenic Reserve is a<br />
popular stop for all. If you take on the<br />
challenge of walking through Cave<br />
Stream limestone formation, please<br />
ensure you read the warning signs<br />
before attempting this walk.<br />
The unique Arthur’s Pass alpine village<br />
sits 740m above sea level, is nestled<br />
into the mountains and surrounded<br />
by beech forest in the centre of the<br />
Arthur’s Pass National Park. Although<br />
a small village, its welcome is always<br />
big with only 25 full time residents<br />
plus the additional estimated 250,000<br />
plus visitors each year – the village<br />
always has a busy vibe - whether you<br />
arrive by the Transalpine train, car,<br />
camper or for the brave by bike or<br />
scooter. The visitor centre is located<br />
as you enter the village and makes<br />
a perfect first stop to inquire about<br />
the history of the Pass. Arthur’s<br />
Pass also boasts a general store, tea<br />
rooms and a restaurant. However<br />
it is recommended that you bring<br />
groceries/tramping supplies with you<br />
due to a limited selection.<br />
Many walking tracks are easily<br />
accessed from the village with the<br />
Devil’s Punch Bowl being a popular<br />
one.
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