Parks close by

Press, 18 February 1986, Page 29

Parks close by

Canterbury’s two national parks, 20 walkways and more than 60 scenic reserves offer a diverse range of recreation opportunities from those wanting to spend some of their leisure time exploring outdoors.

Arthurs Pass National Park offers various activities and is only a two-hour drive from Christchurch. Walking, tramping, climbing and hunting are popular and ski-ing can be done at the Temble Basin Skifield during winter. While there are no special camping facilities :in the park, areas are set i aside for some camping and picnicking where there are shelters, public toilets and fresh water. Mount Cook National Park contains most of New Zealand’s highest peaks within its boundaries, with its greatest attraction being magnificent alpine scenery. With spectacular glaciers and interesting al-

pine plants and animals, Mount Cook also offers opportunities for walking, climbing and limited hunting within the park. The Tasman Glacier ski run is popular in season, and ski touring is also catered for. The village has tourist accommodation and there are also shelters for picnickers and day visitors and some limited camping facilities are available. Reserve areas also offer plenty of opportunities and no matter where you are in Canterbury there is probably one nearby. Whether your interest is in botany, exercise or just finding a quiet place for a picnic and a swim there are many places to choose from. Areas like Peel Forest Park Scenic Reserve are popular for camping, picnicking and bush walking, while Quail Island offers a different sort of experience with its rich wealth of Maori and

European history. Canterbury is also part of the walkway system in New Zealand and there are 20 walkways in the region. The walkways cater for all different levels of fitness and ability, ranging from a 20 minute stroll down to the sea at Otaio Beach in South Canterbury, to the five-day subalpine tramp through the St James Walkway. An added attraction is the proximity of many of these walks to urban areas. There are seven walkways within a 20 kilometre radius of Christchurch city and many other walkways are close to rural or holiday spots. For more information on national parks, reserves and walkways in Canterbury, contact the Department of Lands and Survey, phone 799-760 (Christchurch).