Several people gather around a sign out on a walk in Arthur's Pass

Several people attending the Historic Guided Walk. In March, there will be an official launch of the Historic Walk and Township Trail App with another guided walk in Arthur's Pass you can register for. More details will be at selwyn.govt.nz/events

The Arthur’s Pass community kicked off 2025 with their annual summer series of free events, which has been running for over 50 years and is supported by several local and conservation organisations.

The Council’s contribution through the Selwyn Community Fund helps cover extra costs that continue to enhance the summer programme, supporting the tradition that brings locals and bach holders together over the New Year period to explore the beauty of the Arthur’s Pass National Park on their doorstep.

Fi Neale, event organiser for 2025 says the programme is a great chance to remind people of local conservation efforts around our kea, kiwi and back country huts and share local history.Two people sitting on chairs, the man with a book in hand and the woman with a kea puppet

“It also gives people the opportunity to experience the National Park with enthusiastic and knowledgeable locals. The Community Fund is great because it enables participants to take part in activities with no cost and with quality materials.”

She says this year’s programme was very successful with lots of events that a wide variety of people could enjoy, from guided walks to crafts and story time. Over 30 people attended the quiz night which was a great event with lots of laughs and fun prizes donated kindly by locals and from Fire and Emergency NZ and Forest and Bird North Canterbury.

Some of the other popular events included the alpine pirate treasure hunt, and the miniature back country hut building.

If you’re looking for something to do over the next New Year period, add the Arthur’s Pass summer programme to your calendar.

To learn more about the Selwyn Community Fund, please visit selwyn.govt.nz/funding

A pirate with a flag leads several children into a forest

Last modified: 20 Jan 2025 3:37pm