Nature's Brilliance now on Show – Otira Gorge red with Southern Rata trees flowering!

A brilliant crimson red colour fills the Otira Gorge providing a magnificant sight for  travellers. Right now driving State Highway 73 between Arthurs Pass and the West Coast you will witness the brilliant spectacle of Southern Rata trees in full bloom making the valley almost totally brilliant crimson red.

The lower altitude trees begin flowering first and gradually the blooms increase up the valley sides till the whole valley appears red. This year the lower flowers began about 18 January 2013 and the highest altitude flowers will finish blooming around mid February.

There is no other valley with such numerous Southern Rata trees to create this crimson spectacle. Single trees are found around Barrytown, South Westland and in Fiordland but they are rare in the North Island.

It's three hours drive from Christchurch Airport to Paramata Lodge on the West Coast travelling through Arthurs Pass. The Otira Gorge is west of Arthurs Pass and offers you a free show from the sides of the road and great photographic opportunities.

Staying at peaceful Paramata Lodge on the West Coast, 30 minutes south of Hokitika, you'll enjoy luxury comforts, fresh delicious cuisine and your hosts will introduce more of New Zealand's rare natural features and wildlife of the ancient forest and sandy beachfront beside this beautifully hand-crafted lodge. A nature lovers paradise!

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