Is this trip suitable for children?

Yes, groups with children over a moderate fitness level are welcome, but some walking sections require steady footing.

What kind of wildlife might we see?

Besides kea parrots, you may spot native birds like the fantail and occasionally alpine rabbits.

Are meals included in the tour?

Meals and accommodation are included with the Premium package; other options cover transport and activities only.

How physically demanding is the Bealey Spur hike?

It’s moderately steep and takes about 2–3 hours round-trip; a reasonable fitness level is recommended.

What is the best time of year to visit Arthurs Pass?

Summer and fall offer the most stable weather and accessibility, but each season has unique appeal.

Can I get photography guidance during the tour?

Yes, optional tuition is available to help improve your landscape and wildlife shots along the route.

Arthurs Pass Plus Adventure with Koru Scenic Tours

Set against the rugged backdrop of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, Arthurs Pass Plus by Koru Scenic Tours offers an immersive two-day alpine journey that transcends typical sightseeing. Located in the Canterbury region, just west of Christchurch, Arthurs Pass National Park is renowned for towering peaks, ancient forests, and crystal-clear rivers carved over millennia by glaciers and geological forces. Koru Scenic Tours brings this wilderness to life with expert guidance, combining accessible hiking, wildlife encounters, and dramatic vistas seamlessly into a relaxed pace that invites connection to the land.

Day one starts with a scenic drive from Christchurch along State Highway 73, where the landscape opens into expansive alpine views at Five Brothers Corner and Porters Pass. Lake Lyndon’s placid waters provide a perfect morning break, ideal for capturing photography-worthy reflections. The tour then rolls into Arthurs Pass village—a historic alpine settlement—before tracing the winding road to Otira. Here, photogenic stops like the Otira Gorge and Otira Falls Lookout reveal the power of water eroding sheer rock faces. Keep an eye out for the curious kea parrots, intelligent natives of this high country, though feeding them is discouraged to preserve their wild behaviors.

After lunch in Arthurs Pass settlement, guests stroll to Devils Punchbowl Falls, a cascading spectacle tucked amid native bush. Afternoon tea at Klondyke Corner accompanies views of the roaring Waimakariri River, a fierce alpine stream carving deep granite gorges.

The second day begins with a challenging but rewarding climb of the Bealey Spur track, ascending to the forest limit with panoramic views over the Waimakariri catchment below. On the return route, stops at Lake Pearson and Cave Stream Scenic Reserve offer further variety—reflecting serene lakes and subterranean waterways.

Koru Scenic Tours’ personal approach, combined with included transport, meals, optional photography tuition, and knowledgeable local guides, ensures Arthurs Pass Plus is more than a trip—it’s an invitation to understand and appreciate a distinctive alpine environment, making it a standout in New Zealand’s outdoor adventure offerings.