Korowai / Torlesse Tussocklands Park, protected area in New Zealand
Korowai/Torlesse Tussocklands Park is a protected area in Canterbury's high country situated between the Torlesse and Big Ben mountain ranges. The park contains tussock grasslands, mountain forests, and shrublands across varying elevations, supporting diverse plant species including snow tussock, mountain beech, and rare plants such as Hebe cupressoides and South Island edelweiss.
Surveyor Charles Torlesse first explored these mountains in 1849, describing the range as wild and chaotic. Roads were built over Porters Pass in the late 1850s, and the Avoca Homestead was constructed in 1907, reflecting early settlement and economic activities including coal mining that operated in the early 1900s.
Ngai Tahu people have long held this land as culturally important and have traveled through these mountains for many generations. The name Korowai, meaning cloak, reflects concepts of unity and protection, while the old trails through the Lake Lyndon Valley show routes that were used for safe passage and food gathering in past times.
The park is open year-round and located about one hour and 15 minutes from Christchurch, with several roads providing access including routes via Porters Pass and Lake Lyndon Road. Visitors should stay on marked trails, be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions, note that dogs are not permitted on some routes, and be aware that certain areas have seasonal restrictions during lambing season from October to November.
Vegetable sheep and South Island edelweiss are unusual plants found on rocky slopes throughout the park, specially adapted to the harsh mountain environment. These compact, dense plant mats resemble small animals and make the park a fascinating place to observe rare alpine flora that few visitors expect to find.
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