Arthur’s Pass was the first national park established in the South Island (in 1929). The Gold Rush meant that railways and roads were built through the Southern Alps and some of these historic routes still exist. If you get a chance travel on the TranzAlpine Express so that you don’t have to focus on the road and instead can take in the stunning landscape. Arthur’s Pass National Park is a great place to try and spot Kea – a flightless alpine parrot known for being cheeky. Another great reason to travel by train rather than car is that Kea have taken a shine to windscreen wipers.