Arthur’s Pass village may be tiny, but the landscape that surrounds it is anything but. The South Island’s first national park, it’s a place where the mountains reach skyward, and possibility of outdoor adventure abounds. Deep within the Southern Alps, Arthur’s Pass is a land of alpine lakes, sweeping limestone valleys, and some of the most accessible, and challenging, mountain hikes in New Zealand. Whether you’re passing through on your way to the West Coast or making it your destination, it’s worth parking up to enjoy, even if only for a few hours.
The journey along State Highway 73 is an experience in itself. You’ll climb away from the Canterbury Plains into the foothills filled with golden tussock and grey scree slopes. Just a two hour journey from the Parker depot, it’s the perfect spot for your first stop west.
Be sure to brace yourself for the Otira Viaduct Lookout on your way West. With incredible views of the engineering marvel that is the Otira Gorge, it’s a steep climb up if you’re headed east. If there’s inclement weather, be prepared to drive slow—waterfalls can quickly appear along the mountainside, causing slippery conditions.
The Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall is practically obligatory when travelling through Arthur’s Pass. A 2km return walk, it takes most walkers 1 hour return to climb up the beech forest for views of the 131m waterfall.
When the conditions are right, and if you’re a keen tramper, Avalanche Peak is a popular scramble. Don’t let the 2.5km one-way distance fool you—this hike has a 1,100m vertical climb and can take 3-4 hours to reach the summit. An expert route, this is not for the faint of heart. For those with alpine experience, we recommend heading to the Arthur’s Pass Visitor Centre to check track conditions.
If you’re short on time, don’t feel like climbing 1,100m (we don’t blame you), or simply want to enjoy a wide range of what Arthur’s Pass has to offer, check out the Arthur’s Pass Walking Track. The 6.8km return ambles through subalpine mountain Beech, the village, Bridal Veil Creek, and through alpine shrublands. You might even get to see one of the Pass’s friendly locals, a kea!
Food options are sparse in Arthur’s Pass. Either check out the Arthur’s Pass Cafe and Store, which has snacks, sandwiches, and other prepackaged goods, or head across the street to Alpine Parrot Cafe and Bar for slightly more elevated fare. Or, pack a lunch.
There are several Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites in the area. Klondyke Corner is our favourite, but Avalanche Creek Shelter Campsite is handy if you need to be near the visitors centre.
The mountains are calling, are you ready to go? Book your Parker Camper and enjoy all the best that Arthur’s Pass has to offer.
