Arthurs Pass

 Arthurs Pass is 750m above sea level and runs across the Southern Alps.

The Devils Punchbowl has a 131m waterfall and a lovely viewing platform for visitors. There is also a lovely little path and some big boulders to scramble over in the summer. The last bit is not signposted but the most fun.

The Avalanche Track

This track climbs 1300m up to Avalanche peak although the avalanche risk on this track can be very high it was very low when I walked up there mainly due to the fact that there was no snow

Starts off steep but in the shade

Little grasshoppers all the way along the track

 The track started off very steep and in the shade which was welcome on such a hot day. There were loads of birds in the lower sections and grasshoppers in the upper sections of the walk. I felt so sorry for the people who didn't start so early in the morning.

Still in the tree line

Just coming out of the tree line

The glacier

It was very warm at the top but the Kea didn't seem to mind it watched me and followed me around at the top of the mountain. They are extremely cheeky and are known for nicking food and damaging cars. There are loads of signs warning people about leaving food around or feeding the Kea as that can cause them to rely on humans and lose their ability to scavenge for food. 

Kea fluffing its wings and showing off for the camera

Kea following me and taking flight

Kea looking at the view