Best trails in Arthur's Pass National Park
Arthur’s Pass National Park is full of tall mountains with snow-covered peaks, glaciers, steep slopes and gorges. Rivers with waterfalls wind their way through the dense rainforest. This is a great park to climb peaks or go on challenging multiday tramps with backcountry huts situated in remote areas.
Top trails
1
(1483)
•Moderate
•1.2 mi
•Est. 42m
This is a popular short walk with a couple of climbs (150 m up a series of steps) to a viewing platform with beautiful views of Arthur’s pass-along way and river at the end of the stairs. The view from the lookout is amazing. Devil's Punchbowl Falls are 131 m high. Lots of parking and toilets at the trailhead. This is one of the best short walks in Arthur's Pass National Park.
2
(753)
•Hard
•4.8 mi
This track is a challenging loop route in Arthur's Pass National Park. Trampers may also choose to do this as an out-and-back using either Scott's Track or Avalanche Peak Track. Scott's Track is less steep than Avalanche Peak overall, but the technical difficulty and fitness level required to complete either one is roughly the same. There are many places with large steps; you will need to use your hands to climb. In good weather, it is still a safe track. Steep exposed cliffs are only...
3
(488)
•Moderate
•7.5 mi
•Est. 4h 21m
This alpine track is situated near Arthur’s Pass village and is very popular since it doesn’t go above the bush line and is not as steep as most of the other trails in the area. It starts from the car park off SH73 and ends at the Bealey Spur Hut (a small basic hut with six bunk beds, no bookings or fees required). This track is pretty much gradual uphill the whole way up and is suitable for fit hikers who are well-equipped. Many tree roots are projected across the track with rocky places,...
4
(348)
•Hard
•4.4 mi
This is a very steep and challenging climb to the Avalanche Peak summit (1883 ) in Arthur's Pass, suitable for well-equipped people with previous back-country tramping experience. It starts with a beautiful but strenuous walk through the woods while finishing with climbing on and over rocks and provides spectacular views on the way up and down. Expect steep and rugged terrain. Even if you don’t make it to the summit, you can still see the beautiful panorama and glacier. This route can also be...
5
(308)
•Moderate
•4.7 mi
•Est. 2h 31m
Arthur's Pass Walking Track is a good option if you want a relatively short and not very strenuous hike in the Arthur's Pass National Park. You can add on a detour to Bealey Chasm which leads to a lovely spot by the river. This track can be walked in either direction. Start from Devil's Punchbowl carpark or from Temple Basin Carpark.
6
(152)
•Moderate
•1.1 mi
•Est. 36m
This track will take you to a lookout with beautiful views of the 60 meters high Bridal Veil Falls located in the center of Arthur's Pass National Park. It's a short walk in the valley and through the forest but be prepared for some steep sections with stairs on the way. The waterfall can be seen from the highway as well.
7
(198)
•Moderate
•2.2 mi
•Est. 1h 12m
Otira Valley Track follows the path through the valley up Mount Rolleston and ends track ends at Otira River footbridge. There is an option to continue further past the footbridge but it requires more difficult route finding/map reading to travel up valley safely.
It's a short track, but bring some good shoes as you mostly walk on or around rocks, and the terrain can get slippery after rain. Also, prepare for some stream crossing. There are excellent views along the whole way.
8
(220)
•Hard
•9.7 mi
This alpine track starts at the Bealey Spur Track Car Park and leads to Point 1545m in Arthur's Pass National Park. Along the way, it passes Bealey Spur Hut, a small six-bunk hut with no bookings or fees required.
The track is a steady uphill climb, suitable for fit and well-equipped trampers. Tree roots and rocky sections are common, adding character to the trail. The effort is rewarded with stunning views of the Waimakariri River valley and surrounding mountains.
9
(215)
•Hard
•3.3 mi
•Est. 2h 40m
This track takes you from West Coast Road to the Temple Basin Ski Field located in the Arthur's Pass National Park. It's a steep climb so be prepared for a workout on the ascent. There are stunning views of the mountains and at the ski huts and perfect views all over on clear days. Good grip shoes are a must and hiking poles are also recommended - the track is rocky all the way and can be slippery coming back down. A small carpark is located at the trailhead.
10
(83)
•Hard
•3.9 mi
This walk is one of the classic climbs in Arthur's Pass, taking you to the stunning summit of Avalanche Peak. It is a steep and challenging climb that requires good footing and a head for heights. The track starts in a beautiful beech forest, then climbs steeply above the bushline into alpine tussock grasslands. As you get higher, keep an eye out for the famously cheeky kea, the world's only alpine parrot. The effort is rewarded with breathtaking, 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks,...
Showing results 1–10 of 62
Trail reviews for Arthur's Pass National Park
One of my most favourite tracks ever - easy (by Arthur's Pass standards) and accessible. The Spur has knee-deep snow, so going past 1550m presents challenges. Muddy in the afternoon, but crispy frozen in the morning.
Conditions: Muddy, Snow, Icy
Bealey Spur to Point 1545m
DOC review was accurate - clear skies with great views after driving through a misty Arthur's Pass. Climb was steady and not very difficult (especially compared with some Hunua Ranges and Mt Taranaki routes).
Bealey Spur Track
First to review
One of the most beautiful and extensive views you can get of Arthur's Pass. It's about an hour on a marked track to Binser saddle, then another 3.5 hrs to Mt Binser first up scree and then along the ridgeline. If you wanted to shorten it you could stop at the false summits.
This was a very busy trail. There are a lot of stairs and it is steep climbing once you pass over the initial viewing bridge. But the falls were beautiful! We did it after we had done the Arthur's Pass Walking Trail - tacked it on as we returned - as they share the same path at the start. So we were already a little tired and the weather was very wet...but still a great walk and no issues with mud or anything. This was a very busy trail - busiest we had been on.
Parking: Free, Large lot
Difficulty: Moderate
This trail was a cool trail to the top of the hill leading out of Arthur's Pass. Mostly in native beech forest with some nice views and alpine streams on the way through. We did in wet weather and there was no issues with the trail - well formed, no mud. Some small steep sections - esp when going through the ravine with the Bridal Veil Falls. We did the side trail to the chasm too which was quite cool also.
Parking: Free, Large lot
Difficulty: Moderate
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Arthur's Pass National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Arthur's Pass National Park is Devils Punchbowl Walking Track, which has a 4.7 star rating from 1,483 reviews. This trail is 1.2 mi long with an elevation gain of 347 ft.
What is the longest trail in Arthur's Pass National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Arthur's Pass National Park is Harman Pass Route. This trail is estimated to be 31.8 mi long.
How many trails are in Arthur's Pass National Park?
There are 62 trails in Arthur's Pass National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 5,051 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Arthur's Pass National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Arthur's Pass National Park has you covered. Harman Pass Route boasts the most elevation gain with 6,272 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Mount Binser Track, which will get you 5,754 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Arthur's Pass National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 14 camping trails in Arthur's Pass National Park and the most popular is Woolshed Hill Track with an average 4.6 star rating from 55 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Arthur's Pass National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 biking trail in Arthur's Pass National Park which is Casey Hut via Poulter Valley with an average 5.0 star rating from 2 community reviews.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Arthur's Pass National Park?
Yes, there are 11 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Arthur's Pass National Park, including Avalanche Peak Track and Scott's Track Loop, Avalanche Peak via Scott's Track, Avalanche Peak from Arthurs Pass Township, Woolshed Hill Track, and Mount Aiken Track.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Arthur's Pass National Park?
Yes, there are 3 trails with waterfalls in Arthur's Pass National Park, including Devils Punchbowl Walking Track, Mount Aiken Track, and Hawdon Shelter Campsite to Sudden Valley Bivouac.
Are there any trails with rivers in Arthur's Pass National Park?
Yes, there are 34 trails with rivers in Arthur's Pass National Park, including Devils Punchbowl Walking Track, Avalanche Peak Track and Scott's Track Loop, Bealey Spur Track, Arthur's Pass Walking Track, and Bridal Veil Falls Lookout Walk.
Are there any trails with lakes in Arthur's Pass National Park?
Yes, there are 6 trails with lakes in Arthur's Pass National Park, including Bealey Valley Track, Edwards - Hawdon Route, Goat Pass Hut to Lake Mavis, Lake Kurapataka Track, and Edwards Hut to Hawdon Hut.
Are there any trails with huts in Arthur's Pass National Park?
Yes, there are 46 trails with huts in Arthur's Pass National Park, including Avalanche Peak Track and Scott's Track Loop, Bealey Spur Track, Arthur's Pass Walking Track, Bealey Spur to Point 1545m, and Avalanche Peak from Arthurs Pass Township.
Are there any trails with ponds in Arthur's Pass National Park?
Yes, there is one trail with a pond in Arthur's Pass National Park: Woolshed Hill Track.
Are there any trails with springs in Arthur's Pass National Park?
Yes, there are 5 trails with springs in Arthur's Pass National Park, including Mingha - Deception Route (East to West), Mingha - Deception Route (West to East), Harman Pass Route, Mingha - Deception Route: Morrisons Footbridge to Goat Pass Hut, and Mingha - Deception Route: Goat Pass Hut to Morrisons Footbridge.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Arthur's Pass National Park?
Yes, there are 5 trails with scenic viewpoints in Arthur's Pass National Park, including Devils Punchbowl Walking Track, Bealey Spur Track, Arthur's Pass Walking Track, Bridal Veil Falls Lookout Walk, and Bealey Spur to Point 1545m.