Monthly Highlights
... At Wilderness Lodge
Arthur's Pass
This calendar aims to give you a general idea of what nature highlights you may experience at Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass at various times of the year.
The seasons at Arthur's PassWinterJune - August SpringSeptember - November SummerDecember - February AutumnMarch - May AUGUSTQuiet visitor month Ski Fields in full operation Spectacular snowy peaks Lodge surrounds usually snow fee Winter feeding out to sheep SEPTEMBERSki Fields in full operation Warmer weather arrives First lambs towards end of month Main sheep shearing OCTOBERSpecial wading birds nesting in rivers New lambs and daffodils Spring growth through the high country Farmland and land comes to life Snow melting off mountain tops NOVEMBERFarm tours to check new lambs Alpine flowering season commences High Country fishing season begins Excellent bird watching/canoeing Alpine flowers in peak flowering DECEMBERWaimakariri valley canoe trips Red Mistletoe in flower New growth on beech trees Shearing of wethers Sheep muster to summer country Lupins flowering JANUARYHaymaking and winter feed preparation Alpine Daisies, Gentians start flowering Manuka forest around Lodge flowers FEBRUARYMountain walking trips for fabulous flowers Hottest month with lake swimming Canoe trips down Waimakariri River Famous Coast to Coast race MARCHCalm, settled warm weather Forest Fungi appear Wading birds migrate north Beech trees shed 50% of leaves APRIL`Indian Summer’ - first snow on the mountaintops Gentians last flowers in Alpine Zone Shearing of sheep Lambs sent to low altitude MAYAutumn sheep mustering completed Rams out with the ewes Good walking weather Salmon spawning in Cora Lynn Station spawning areas Many Canada Geese and Paradise Ducks JUNE(Lodge is closed) Snow clothes the mountain tops Winter feeding out on farm Skiing commences Frosts and occasional snow Winter feeding continues JULY(Lodge is closed) Coldest winter month Spectacular alpine scenery
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WHEN TO VISIT
Our busiest season is from December to March. April/May, August/October is a quieter time to visit
Winter (June to August) has snow on the mountains and surrounding skifields but settled clear weather with a deliciously warm lodge with roaring log fires, double glazed windows and lots of winter sun.
Spring (September to November) brings warmer weather, spring flowers, lambing, shearing and a great time to see breeding river, wetland and mountain birds. Summer and Autumn (December to May) bring longer warm days great for walking, alpine flowers, canoeing and fishing.
Snow in the top paddock looking toward the Black Range - July
Australian visitors enjoy spring on the farm - October
Introduced Lupins flowering in the Waimakariri River bed - December
Mistletoe flowering, November - December
Mountain Buttercups flowering, late December - February
The Mountain Parrots (keas) seen in the area throughout the year
New Zealand Edelweiss flowering - February