Otira Viaduct Lookout
Otira Viaduct Lookout
4.5
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4.5
207 reviews
Excellent
108
Very good
80
Average
18
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Julie P
United Kingdom2,026 contributions
Nov 2019
We were here in November and at least one of the car parks was closed as major roadworks were taking place. The one at the top of the gorge was open and gave good views back down the valley. It is a place where you may see kea, but we didn't.
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Found_Lost_Key
New Zealand1,185 contributions
Apr 2021
Great place to stop to take in the great views of the viaduct and surrounding area. I remember traveling many times on the old road through the gorge and the zig zag tight corners, fun times! The road to the parking area is part of the old road and once parked up, you can see where it used to go. There is big boulders blocking the way and is overgrown but it gives you a sense of where it used to go. You may encounter a kea or two at the lookout if you're lucky. Best seen on a nice day. If you keep going West bound there is another place to stop to take in another section of the road that has a waterfall going over the road.
Written 4 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sachin K
New York City, NY6,555 contributions
Dec 2018 • Solo
Otira Viaduct Lookout offers some awesome natural views. Can be viewed during the TranzApline train journey during a stop in Otira. Certainly worth a photo stop.
Written 30 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
UKC0uple
Barnsley, UK1,176 contributions
Dec 2017 • Couples
Otira viaduct is south of Otira, in-between Otira and Arthur's Pass summit. The viaduct was completed in 1999 and carries State Highway 73. It spans a stretch of unstable land, replaced dangerous sections of road which often was closed by avalanches slips. its an impressive site to see from above, from the lookout spot which is remains of the old road. If you are traveling in the area its well worth a visit. We were there December 8th a lovely warm sunshine day but a strong breeze, had the lookout to ourselves.
Written 24 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WK Fong
Singapore, Singapore171 contributions
Sept 2017 • Friends
The road to this lookout is on the right (if you're heading towards the west coast from Arthur's Pass). It's a steep road that I don't recommend going up when the conditions are icy. The platform gives you a good view of the viaduct and the valley.
Written 12 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Conan L
Ontario, Canada432 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
We traveled this highway because our Tranz Alpine Train was cancelled. As a result we got to stop and explore sites that as train passengers, we would not see. Travelling from the west, we spotted the signage for the overlook at the last moment, just after crossing the viaduct. We almost missed it. The view was marvelous and we appreciated the extraordinary engineering that went into the building of the structure. It was very windy however, strong enough to blow a person over the edge, so we did not linger
Written 11 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Naina-Damani
London, UK994 contributions
Mar 2020
The tour features the TranzAlpine train from Greymouth to Christchurch and we were also driven around in a group with AATKings to appreciate the scenery.
Written 27 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lauraalonsobi
Seattle, WA122 contributions
Feb 2020
We stopped at the overlook to take it all in. It was a clear sunny morning and WOW! As we were getting back into the car we spotted a Kea parrot just behind the car, what a thrill to see this bird up close but not watch it doing damage to our car.
Written 24 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
birdman222015
Darfield, New Zealand145 contributions
Feb 2020
This is a great stop on the way though WEST or EAST Rata in spring Kea if you are lucky (we saw 12 Feb 2020)
mountain and geology
mountain and geology
Written 24 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jaroslaw Kaczmarski
89 contributions
Nov 2018 • Friends
Why not to stop there, take a brake, take a look, take a picture. Foremost you’re gonna meet there a Kea. So you see now how this is definitely worth to stop in this place.
Written 13 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, is there a way to explore Arthur's pass attractions using public buses. From what I saw online, the buses stop at Arthur's pass but exactly where do they stop? Is it possible to check out some of the attractions walking from the bus stop? Thanks!
Written 15 October 2017
They stop in the township which is a wee drive 10-15 minutes from memory from the viaduct
Written 23 October 2017
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