Dobson Nature Walk
Alerts
Avalanche NZ
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NIWA weather risks
NIWA's Parks Weather site lists daily weather risks for the forecast point below.
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Forecast point: Arthurs Pass (745m) · 3.7km away
Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.
Enjoy interpretation points along this walk and seats with good views of the surrounding mountains.
Elevation
Cover mapped summer 2023/24.
Description
The track starts at the Temple Basin car park. After approx 200 m, cross the road and follow the track as it leads you in a semi-circle through a rich variety of subalpine and alpine plants, including herbs, tussocks, shrubs and flowers and the Mt Cook buttercup Ranunculus lyallii. The alpine flowers are in bloom from November to February.
There are a few interpretation points along the walk and seats along the way with good views of the surrounding mountains. An excellent self-guided booklet about the different native plants and their habitats is available from the Arthur’s Pass Visitor Centre.
The track finishes opposite the Dobson Memorial on the other side of the road. Return the same way to the car park.
Getting there
This track starts near the Arthur's Pass Village, on SH 73 towards the summit.
Several bus services run between Christchurch and the West Coast daily, stopping at the village. The Tranzalpine scenic train journey also stops at Arthur's Pass.
Know before you go
Take warm clothing and raincoat, sunhat and sunscreen, something to eat and drink and strong footwear. Mountain weather can change quickly.
Weather
Forecast at the start of the track