Best trails in Arthur's Pass National Park

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.

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...

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,...

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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,...