Otira: Railway History and Local Walks

Otira and its surrounding area appeal to a range of interests: the town’s history is closely tied to the railway tunnel, while nearby walks pass through varied landscapes and can involve specific requirements for experience, equipment and navigation. For trip planning, it is helpful to consider the town’s history and individual routes as separate points of interest.

Railway History and Transport Routes

Ōtira grew during the construction of the Ōtira Railway Tunnel, from 1907 to 1923. The town remained a railway maintenance base until 1999. The rail connection is also a part of the town’s history: the TranzAlpine train between Christchurch and Greymouth and back travels through the Ōtira Tunnel.

Another perspective is offered by the road through Ōtira Gorge and over Arthur’s Pass. It connects the townships of Arthur’s Pass and Ōtira over a distance of 13.4 kilometres. There are several viewpoints and signposted viewing areas along the road. This means you can navigate the area using either the rail connection through the tunnel or the road route through the gorge and over the pass.

On what is known as the town side of Ōtira, the old post office was converted into the John Burns Gallery of Modern Art. Along with the history of the tunnel’s construction, this offers another cultural point of interest for those exploring Ōtira’s development.

Walks in the Surrounding Area

The Harper Pass Route starts at the Aickens car park beside SH73, five kilometres west of Ōtira. The Ōtira River must be crossed to access the Taramakau Valley. Access and river-crossing conditions can change, so check them before setting out. Harper Pass is also historically significant: for Māori trading in pounamu (greenstone), it was the main route to and from the West Coast.

The Lake Kaurapataka Route passes through red beech forest to the confluence of Pfeifer Creek and the stream flowing out of the lake. The route then crosses the stream and continues along its left bank to the lake. Several suitable camping spots are available on the lake shore; cairns mark the turnoffs to these sites. The route is suitable for well-equipped people with backcountry walking experience. River crossings and navigation along the route are required. Take current river and weather conditions into account when planning.

The Otira Valley Track passes through a deeply incised alpine valley on the northern slopes of Mount Rolleston/Kaimatau to a footbridge over the Ōtira River. In fine weather, there is an opportunity to see alpine flowers there in summer. The route through Deception Valley also leads to a clearly named destination: Goat Pass. The walks in the area therefore differ both in the landscapes described and in the information provided about requirements and possible nature observations.

For the wider travel overview: Westland District.