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Story: Roads

Arthur’s Pass

Image
Arthur’s Pass

The road over Arthur’s Pass was built in 1866–67, linking Christchurch with the West Coast. The intent was to gain access to the West Coast gold rushes. This view of it was painted by Theodore Hurt shortly after it was completed.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library

Reference: E-501-f-019

by Theodore Octavius Hurt

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Carl Walrond, Roads – Why roads were built, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/artwork/23292/arthurs-pass (accessed 25 June 2026).

Story by Carl Walrond, published 2 March 2010, updated 1 March 2016.