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Common Ground News

How long is Arthurs Pass?

Author

Christopher Snyder

Updated on March 13, 2026

How long is Arthurs Pass?

How long is Arthur's Pass? The pass is 44.6 km long, running north-south from Jacksons, a settlement in the Westland District of the West Coast towards Bealey.

Similarly, it is asked, is Arthurs pass dangerous?

Ranked as one of New Zealand's most dangerous roads, you might be surprised to hear that it isn't that bad. Its dangerous title hails from an era of horse and carts when carriages were forced to pass via the 'zig zag' road that teetered on the edge of the mountainsides.

Similarly, does Arthur's pass closed in winter? Periods of stormy weather are common at any time. Winter - Winter runs from June through August.

Keeping this in view, how high is Arthur's pass?

739 m

What is the Arthurs pass road like?

The road is paved. The pass is a popular base for exploring Arthur's Pass National Park. The road is majestic and beautiful but can be test of nerves for the driver. Particularly in winter, when snow and ice may cover the road and chains are recommended at times.

Can you drive through Arthur's Pass?

Driving Arthur's Pass road is one of the most stunning drives in New Zealand. The road to the summit is called New Zealand highway 73 (also known as West Coast Road). Arthur's Pass, climbing to more than 900 metres through Arthur's Pass National Park, is the highest and most spectacular pass across the Southern Alps.

Why is it called Arthurs Pass?

It was crossed for the first time by Europeans in 1864 and named after the surveyor Arthur Dobson. In 1863 Thomas Cass, the Chief Surveyor for Canterbury, asked Arthur Dobson to look for a pass between the Waimakariri River basin and a valley running to the west coast.

Where in New Zealand is Arthur's Pass?

Arthur's Pass National Park is situated between Canterbury and the West Coast in the South Island of New Zealand.

How steep is Porters Pass?

Porters Pass (elevation 939 metres) is a mountain pass in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. It is near Lake Lyndon and is located within Korowai/Torlesse Tussocklands Park.
Porters Pass
Elevation939 m (3,081 ft)
Traversed byState Highway 73
LocationNew Zealand
RangeSouthern Alps

How do I get from Christchurch to Greymouth?

Travel Christchurch to Greymouth on the TranzAlpine railway, one of the world's most scenic train journeys. TranzAlpine trains depart daily from Christchurch Railway Station. The journey from Christchurch to Greymouth takes approximately 4 hours, crossing the Southern Alps and passing through stunning scenery.

Are chains needed on Arthurs Pass?

If people are planning on travelling through the Lewis Pass or Arthur's Pass, they should not leave it too late today to get away and please take extra care.” The other main route between the West Coast and Canterbury, Arthur's Pass, SH73, requires chains and no towing vehicles are currently allowed.

Is the road open to Hokitika?

The road from Franz Josef north to Hokitika is now open with one lane sections. State Highway 6 is closed between Hokitika and Makarora.

Is the Lewis Pass open?

The Lewis Pass road has reopened following a dump of heavy snow. NZTA said as of midday Wednesday, a stretch of road on State Highway 7 that had earlier been shut from the Hanmer turnoff to Springs Junction, was now back open.

Does it snow in Arthur's Pass?

SNOW. In an average winter Arthur's Pass Village can expect at least three or four good snowfalls, and Temple Basin - the closest skifield - gets about three months of good skiing. Most of the heavy snowfalls occur between June and September, but there is always a posssiblity of an unseasonal fall.

Why is SH1 closed?

Police have closed SH1 in both directions in the Dome Valley (between Warkworth and Wellsford) following a serious crash. The NZTA has advised the road is expected to be closed for some time while the Serious Crash Unit investigates. Good morning, Auckland.

Is Rangitata bridge open today?

State Highway 1 at Rangitata and the Upper Rangitata Bridge at Arundel (Inland Route 72) remain closed until further notice.

Is Kaikoura road open today?

This route is open 24/7 and takes about 6.5 hours to travel. The Inland Route 70 into Kaikoura via Waiau/Mt Lyford will remain open during any closures of SH1 to the south. Road-users are advised to allow up to 3 hours from Christchurch to Kaikoura using this route. Road users plan ahead for their journeys.

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