Arthurs Pass is a stop halfway between Christchurch and Greymouth on the TranzScenic train.  Most people pop out to take a quick photo of the Southern Alps and then get back on the warm, comfy train.  Not us.  Graham and I emerged from our warm coach seats into the grey, sleet and set off on our first adventure.

We planned to camp at Avalanche Creek, but if the weather wasn’t enough to deter us, the man working at the DOC (Department of Conservation) office was.  He told us of the kea, an amazing smart alpine bird that would eat our tent if we weren’t diligent enough to stay up all night fighting it off with water.  And so, we decided instead to stay at the Sanctuary bunk house.  And a sanctuary it was.

Fortunately, the weather ended up getting nice and we got two and a half days of great hiking in - between visits to the local cafe (one of two) to drink hot chocolate and play cards.  We enjoyed watching the kea from afar and were glad to have a (somewhat) warm place to rest our heads.  The good news?  Our new sleeping bags are nice and cozy!

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