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9 epic things to do in Arthur's Pass New Zealand
A complete list of things to do in Arthur's Pass on New Zealand's South Island that won't leave you guessing. As scenic drives go, they really aren't as impressive as State Highway 73 to Arthur's Pass. Located in a highland region northwest of Christchurch, this alpine road connects Cantebury with the famous west coast. This is why driving through Arthur’s Pass on a New Zealand road trip is both scenic and practical! In this guide, I'll offer some travel plan suggestions to help you make the most of your trip to this incredible destination. alt=“THINGS IN ARTHUR’S PASS TO…
9 epic things to do in Arthur's Pass New Zealand
A complete list of things to do in Arthur's Pass on New Zealand's South Island that won't leave you guessing.
As scenic drives go, they really aren't as impressive as State Highway 73 to Arthur's Pass. Located in a highland region northwest of Christchurch, this alpine road connects Cantebury with the famous west coast.
This is why driving through Arthur’s Pass on a New Zealand road trip is both scenic and practical! In this guide, I'll offer some travel plan suggestions to help you make the most of your trip to this incredible destination.
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8 great things to do around Arthur’s Pass
With that out of the way, let’s get into the reason why you’re here; an epic list of things to do in Arthur’s Pass.
Note that since most people drive this route, I also included activities along the entire SH73 Highway.
You can find the location of each attraction on the map below to help you plan
You can also find the official DOC brochure here with further tips and information.
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1. The Arthur’s Pass hiking trail
Strapping on your boots and exploring the Arthur’s Pass trail is one of the most popular activities for those arriving in the village. The great thing about this hike is that you can do the whole tour or just complete individual sections.
Many people choose to walk from the village to the Dobson Memorial at the summit of Arthur’s Pass. The hike has a gradual incline and is relatively easy but rewarding.
Highlights include views from the summit of Arthur's Pass, lush native beech forest, clear, flowing streams, waterfall views, and the chance to see Dracophyllum in spring and summer.
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2. Arthur’s Pass Village and Visitor Center
Arthur’s Pass Village is the hub for many of the things to do here, including all of the waterfalls listed here as well as the hikes.
It's best to visit the new visitor center to find out about what's on offer in the area.
If you're planning on setting out on longer hikes or trails, be sure to stop by and ask about weather and trail conditions.
3. Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall
Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall is arguably the most impressive waterfall in Arthur’s Pass.
The massive, 131 meter high waterfall cascades steeply down the steep mountain slopes.
There is a special hiking trail to a wooden viewing platform just below the falls. You'll also see it along the Avalanche Peak Route (below).
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Read the full article on Devil’s Punchbowl waterfall.
4. Bridal veil falls
Bridal Veil Falls is the lesser-known little brother of Devil’s Punchbowl waterfall. Although it's not that impressive, it's still a worthwhile stop and a very scenic 40-minute hike.
If you're already planning on hiking the Arthur's Pass trail, you'll be happy to find that the trail to Bridal Veil Falls connects to the same trail.
Remember not to confuse yourself with the more famous Bridal Veil Falls on New Zealand's North Island.
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5. Hike to Avalanche Peak
The Avalanche Peak Track can be completed in a loop that joins the main road of State Highway 73 a short distance away. The track begins right near the visitor center and climbs steeply up the lush forest slopes.
After a long, steep climb, the Arthur's Peak Track opens above the tree line into an exposed alpine area with tussock slopes and high cliffs. The path to the summit is marked.
The Avalanche Peak Route is one of my favorite hikes in Arthur’s Pass. However, this is not for the inexperienced or easy. Remember to stop by the visitor center for up-to-date information about the route and conditions.
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Read the complete guide to hiking the Avalanche Peak Route
Avalanche Creek Falls
Right at the start of the Avalanche Peak Track you will come across another waterfall. This one is much smaller than the others, but if you want to see another beautiful waterfall, you can complete a section of this route before turning back at the falls.
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6. Castle Hill limestone cliffs
The limestone cliffs of Castle Hill lie further south of the village of Arthur's Pass and are one of the most popular attractions around Arthur's Pass.
Whether you're a climber, photographer, history buff, or die-hard LoTR fan, then you should stop here. The limestone formations on the hill just off the Arthur’s Pass Highway are a beautiful and incredibly interesting geological phenomenon.
You can read the entire guide to visiting Castle Hill here.
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7. Cave Stream
For those looking for a rugged and epic caving experience, I highly recommend visiting the nearby Cave Stream Scenic Reserve.
This is a unique cave walking experience with screwed-in ladders and ropes to help you navigate the cave against a flowing stream that flows between the two entrances over 1,800 feet (590 m) underground.
The great thing about this caving adventure is that you don't have to be an experienced caving professional. However, you need good fitness to move through the current and climb over several ladders and climbing ropes.
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8. Temple pool
Temple Basin is the name of the ski area near Arthur’s Pass. In the winter, by far the best thing to do in Arthur’s Pass is to visit this ski resort.
However, if you're visiting outside of ski season, you can still visit Temple Basin for short but worthwhile hikes that offer great views of Mt Rolleston across the valley.
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9. Otira Viaduct Viewpoint
Driving along Arthur’s Pass SH73 it’s hard not to stop every few minutes for a great photo opportunity.
One of the best views of the ride is the Otira Viaduct Lookout. There is a wide and spacious parking lot here which provides a great place to stretch your legs and get some shots of the beautiful mountain valley and bridge looking north to the west coast.
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Arthur’s Pass Hotels and Accommodation Guide
Motel: Arthur’s Pass Alpine MotelOne of the best rated and best value motels in the area is the famous Alpine Motel. These rooms offer kitchen facilities and great views of the valley and surrounding mountains. It's a great place to sit and relax after checking off all the epic activities in Arthur's Pass!
Check price and availability for your travel dates here
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Hostel: Arthur’s Pass YHAThe YHA at Arthur’s Pass is the only youth hostel or backpacker spot in the area. If you want to get out of the car and spend a night indoors then this is a great budget bet.
Check price and availability for your travel dates here
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Entire Apartment: The NookWhile I didn't stay here, if you're in a larger group or prefer an entire apartment then you can't go wrong with The Nook. This place offers a private bathroom, bedroom, living room and mountain views.
Check price and availability for your travel dates here
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Everything you need to know about Arthur's Pass
Here’s everything you want to know about Arthur’s Pass, this incredible gem of New Zealand’s South Island.
Is Arthur’s Pass worth it?
The short answer is… hell yes! This scenic drive is easily one of the best in New Zealand and possibly anywhere in the world.
As you will learn in this article, there are also many things to do in Arthur’s Pass, especially if you are into hiking and other adventure activities.
How long is Arthur's pass?
“Arthur’s Pass” is the name for a 231 kilometer long high mountain pass on State Highway 73, which connects the west coast (Kumara Junction) with Christchurch (Upper Riccarton).
How many days is enough for Arthur's pass?
Due to the unpredictable weather in this region, it is difficult to plan an exact daily itinerary.
However, I would suggest spending at least 3 days on the Arthur’s Pass drive to get the most out of the experience.
Of course, if you want to do more of this list of things to do in Arthur’s Pass, then plan accordingly.
Arthur's Pass without a car
If you don’t have your own car or RV, you can fully enjoy Arthur’s Pass by boarding the TranzAlpine train through the Southern Alps.
There are three segments of this train route. For Arthur's Pass, you can take the train from Christchurch to Greymouth, which offers views of the lush beech forest, the mighty Waimakariri River and other highlights of Arthur's Pass National Park.
Camping at Arthur’s Pass
There are a few campsites around Arthur’s Pass for campers. The most convenient in terms of location is the Avalanche Creek Shelter. The cost is $8 per night per adult.
Other paid sites include:
- Klondyke Corner Campingplatz
- Howdon Shelter Campingplatz
- Lake Pearson Campingplatz
- Mistletoe Flats Campingplatz
Freedom campsites
I usually stick to the freedom campsites. For this reason, I stayed at Andrew’s Shelter Campsite and Okuku Reserve Site. Both are completely free, but are located just outside the village.
If you want to spend a few days hiking and exploring the waterfalls near the village, staying at the Avalanche Creek Shelter is a good idea.
More free New Zealand travel guides and blogs
I hope you enjoyed this guide to finding epic things to do in Arthur’s Pass. If you're looking for more New Zealand travel guides and articles, be sure to check out some of the list below!
For more epic hikes, don't miss this write-up of the 31 best hikes in New Zealand's South Island.
MY CAMERA AND PHOTO EQUIPMENT
- Spiegellose Kamera: Canon R5
- Drohne: DJI Mavic Pro 2
- 360-Grad-Action-Kamera: Insta360 One X2
- Landschaftsobjektiv: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8L
- Allround-Objektiv: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
- Teleobjektiv: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4,5–7,1 L
- Lange Aktionsstange: Insta360 Invisible Pole (BulletTime)
- Landschaftslinsenfilter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
- Kamerarucksack: F-Stop Tilopa
- Lieblingsfotozubehör: Peak Design Capture Clip
For a list of my recommended photography gear (including what I use and why), check out my Travel Camera Gear Guide.
If you would like to use any of the photos on this website, please visit my licensing page to find out how. I also sell professional art prints, visit my Print Store or contact me directly for customs deductions of images on We Seek Travel.
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