National parks near Christchurch

From Christchurch, Arthur's Pass is two hours by road or by the TranzAlpine train, one of the great rail journeys, which allows a day's walking before the return service. Aoraki Mount Cook is four hours south-west via Lake Tekapo, and the glaciers of Westland Tai Poutini lie over the pass on the West Coast. Mountain weather changes quickly, and the alpine roads can close in winter.