In late September we took a day trip on the section of the Great Alpine Highway (State Highway 73) from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass, about 150km. The highway over Arthur’s Pass had been closed the previous night due to the snow fall, and was only just opening between Arthur’s Pass and Otira when we arrived late morning.
Follow the orange line (click to enlarge)
West of Springfield
The Otira Valley Track is a stunning walk within Arthur’s Pass National Park, at the northern end of the Southern Alps. It is often used by mountaineers as access to Mt Rolleston and Mt Philistine, but it is also provides the opportunity for day walkers to experience an alpine valley with a feeling of remoteness.
Footbridge over the Otira River
The first section of the track is over sub alpine scrub and tussock until, after about 45 minutes, this footbridge is reached. It is a well photographed part of the walk.
annettewoodford 