Arthur’s Pass National Park – a few key facts:

• It was established as a national park in 1929, the first in the South Island, the third in Aotearoa. • It's a landscape of two halves – dry beech forest to the east with dense rainforest to the west.

• A historic road and railway run right through it.

• In terms of scenery, it has it all – rare alpine flora, abundant birdlife, 2000-metre-high snow-capped peaks, ravines, gorges and rivers. • Activities on offer range from a picturesque 10-minute bush stroll, to flora and fauna spotting, a one-day challenging hike to Avalanche Peak or a network of 13 routes for well-toned trampers.