Arthur’s Pass National Park

Motorists travel over Arthur’s Pass when crossing the Southern Alps between the east and west coasts of New Zealand’s South Island. Massive peaks surround the pass, skirted by beech forests that enclose alluring waterfalls. It’s well worth stopping along State Highway 73 as it crosses through Arthur’s Pass National Park to take a closer look. The park has numerous hiking tracks, both difficult and easy, that begin from car parks right along SH 73. Within the park’s 1,145 square kilometers, you’ll also find Arthur’s Pass Village, which has basic services and lodging like Arthur’s Pass Alpine Motel. The national park has five campground, including Avalanche Creek Shelter Campground in Arthur’s Pass Village and Greyneys Shelter Campground, 6 kilometers to the south.

Shorter tracks in Arthur’s Pass National Park present woodland walks where waterfalls can be observed (Devils Punchbowl Falls should not be missed), while longer tracks and routes ascend to soaring peaks. Dogs and other pets are not allowed on any hiking tracks or campgrounds in the park. Bikes are not allowed on hiking tracks, but can access limited mountain biking tracks in Arthur’s Pass National Park.

Devils Punchbowl Falls
Devils Punchbowl Falls

Tracks in Arthur’s Pass National Park

Arthur’s Pass National Park has several walks for visitors to enjoy.

Otira Valley TrackOtira Valley Track
This 3.8-kilometer round trip hike ventures up a valley on the north side of Arthur’s Pass, finding a footbridge over Otira River and broad views of surrounding mountains.
Bealey Chasm WalkBealey Chasm Walk
This short walk passes through moss-covered beech trees to a bridge over Bealey River where it slips through a ravine.
Jacks Hut Bridal Veil Falls LookoutJacks Hut to Bridal Veil Falls Lookout
This 2.5-kilometer round trip hike on Arthur’s Pass Walking Track crosses beech forests and alpine shrublands, dropping across a canyon to arrive at a view of Bridal Veil Falls.
Arthur's Pass Walking Track Bridal Veil Falls LookoutArthur’s Pass Village to Bridal Veil Falls Lookout
This 1.8 kilometer round trip hike up Arthur’s Pass Walking Track takes a gradual approach to a viewpoint with a perspective of Bridal Veil Falls and surrounding mountains.
Devils Punchbowl FallsDevils Punchbowl Falls
This 2-kilometer round trip hike ascends to a viewing platform near the base of an impressive waterfall that should be a top priority for Arthur’s Pass National Park visitors.
Millennium Walk to Avalanche Creek WaterfallMillennium Walk to Avalanche Creek Waterfall
This 500-meter round trip walk goes from Arthur’s Pass National Park Visitor Centre to a bridge and viewpoint below a waterfall on Avalanche Creek as it approaches Arthur’s Pass Village.
Old Coach Road WalkOld Coach Road Walk
If you stay overnight at Greyneys Shelter Campground, start the day with this 1 to 1.4-kilometer loop that leaves the campground and travels through the surrounding forest along an old roadbed.

 

Camping in and around Arthur’s Pass National Park

Campgrounds are available in and around Arthur’s Pass Village.

Avalanche Creek Shelter CampgroundAvalanche Creek Shelter Campground
This 10-site campground in Arthur’s Pass Village has a large shelter and easy access to the park visitor center and nearby hiking tracks.
Greyneys Shelter CampgroundGreyneys Shelter Campground
Camping is free around this small 3-wall stone shelter along State Highway 73 south of Arthur’s Pass Village.
Lake Pearson CampgroundLake Pearson (Moana Rua) Campground
This campground has about 20 sites along the shore of a peaceful lake between mountains in the Canterbury Region near Arthur’s Pass National Park.

 

Lodging near Arthur’s Pass National Park

Visitors can stay in Arthur’s Pass Village.

Arthur's Pass Alpine MotelArthur’s Pass Alpine Motel
This lodging option in Arthur’s Pass Village offers self-contained cabin accommodations that are convenient for visiting Arthur’s Pass National Park.

 

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Devils Punchbowl Falls Arthur's Pass National Park Hike Devils Punchbowl Walking Track Arthur's Pass Village Hiking Track Devils Punchbowl Waterfall New Zealand Devil's Punchbowl
Devils Punchbowl Falls is a star attraction in Arthur's Pass National Park. The dynamic waterfall plunges 131 meters into a canyon near Arthur's Pass Village. The area's Māori named the waterfall Hinekakai, taking inspiration from its beautiful threads of water. Visitors can reach the waterfall on a 2-kilometer (1.4-mile) round trip walk beginning from Arthur's Pass Village. Devils... Read more.
By: Published: Last updated: May 6, 2017
Otira Valley Track Arthur's Pass National Park Hike Arthur's Pass Village Hiking Track New Zealand
Just over the north side of Arthur's Pass and 5 kilometers from Arthur's Pass Village, you'll find Otira Valley Track, which ascends a trough-shaped valley off the west side of the pass. The track ends at Otira River Footbridge. Under normal circumstances, a bridge would be an odd place to end a hike (since a bridge lead to something on the other side). The route beyond Otira River... Read more.
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Tagged with · Arthur's Pass Village · Creeks · Free Trails · New Zealand Department of Conservation · New Zealand National Parks · Arthur's Pass National Park
Distance: 3.8 kilometers / 2.35 miles · Elevation change: 125 meters / 410 feet
By: Published: Last updated: May 6, 2017
Bealey Chasm Walk Arthur's Pass National Park Hike Bealey River Hiking Track Bealey Valley Track Footbridge Arthur's Pass Village New Zealand
North of Arthur's Pass Village, Bealey River passes through a narrow gorge, creating a mix of tumbling white water and blue pools. A footbridge on Bealey Valley Track crosses over this point on the river, called Bealey Chasm. Visit the chasm on a short walk beginning from State Highway 73. Bealey Chasm Walk starts with a short section of Arthur's Pass Walking Track and connects to Bealey... Read more.
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Tagged with · Arthur's Pass Village · Creeks · Free Trails · New Zealand Department of Conservation · New Zealand National Parks · Arthur's Pass National Park
Distance: 0.65 kilometers / 0.4 miles · Elevation change: 12 meters / 40 feet
By: Published: Last updated: May 6, 2017
Old Coach Road Walk Arthur's Pass National Park Hike Greyneys Shelter Arthur's Pass Hiking Track New Zealand
This mostly unremarkable woodland walk explores the forest a few kilometers south of Arthur's Pass Village. Much of the track follows an old coach road that went to Arthur's Pass so the walk provides a history lesson on the area's earlier travelers. The easy walk is 1 to 1.4 kilometers long, starting and ending at Greynes Shelter Campground. With just 15 meters of elevation change along... Read more.
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Tagged with · Arthur's Pass Village · Free Trails · New Zealand Department of Conservation · New Zealand National Parks · Arthur's Pass National Park
Distance: 1.4 kilometers / 0.9 miles · Elevation change: 15 meters / 50 feet
By: Published: Last updated: May 6, 2017
Millennium Walk Avalanche Creek Waterfall Arthur's Pass National Park Hike Avalanche Creek Falls Arthur's Pass Hiking Track New Zealand
Millennium Walk is a very short hike from the visitor center for Arthur's Pass National Park to a viewing platform alongside Avalanche Creek Waterfall. This walk is 500 meters round trip with only a few meters of elevation change, covered over stone steps at the end of the walk. If you stop by the visitor center in Arthur's Pass Village, this short walk to the waterfall is well worth your... Read more.
By: Published: Last updated: May 6, 2017