Heading east from the west coast, I stopped in Arthur's Pass before heading towards the east coast. Fun thing is I'll get to revisit this area in about a month as I work my way back up the west coast.

Otira Viaduct

Just before you reach the pass, you cross over the recently (1999) completely Otira Viaduct ... It's quite impressive in design and scale...

Devils Punch Bowl Waterfall

First stop for me upon reaching Arthur's Pass ...

A bit soggy, but enjoyed the visit to the falls.

Awoke to a cloud drapped valley ...

Lupines ... beautiful but invasive species. Locals have a love/hate relationship -- they're bad for the native plants, but tourist flock to the alpine meadows to photograph them ...

Best Buds

A weeks old lamb and his best friend are inseperable in the paddock.

Bealey Track

Beautiful beech forest along the Bealey Track

Bealey Track

Bealey Track

Perserverance

I shared my last bit of water with this little guy...

Bealey Track

Kinda lost the track at this point and became a scramble up the river valley ...

On the way out of Arthur's Pass, the "braided" Waimakariri River to the left...

Waimakariri River

One last look westward, up the valley. The braided river is such a big part of character of this valley.

Lake Pearson

Lake Pearson

Castle Rocks

On to Akaroa ...