Arthur's Pass: Mountain Trails and Waterfalls

Arthur’s Pass offers very different perspectives along its trails: mountain beech forest, waterfalls, alpine scenery, and views of the surrounding mountains shape the experience. Routes lead from the village to viewpoints and memorials or climb steeply uphill. When planning a stay, you can first consider whether waterfall views, village history, or mountain trails should be your main focus.

Waterfalls and trails from Arthur’s Pass

The Arthur’s Pass Walking Track makes it possible to hike from Arthur’s Pass village to the Dobson Memorial at the Arthur’s Pass summit. From the Punchbowl car park, the track reaches a viewpoint overlooking Bridal Veil Falls in 20 minutes. Along the way, it passes through subalpine mountain beech forest and Dracophyllum. The Devils Punchbowl Walking Track offers a different perspective: It climbs steeply through native mountain beech forest, also known as Tāwhairauriki, to a viewing platform near the base of Devils Punchbowl Falls. The falls flow year-round and are most impressive in spring, when the snow in the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana melts.

The Millennium Walk also combines a waterfall view with a distinctive village landmark. It starts opposite the Arthur’s Pass Visitor Centre and crosses a small stone bridge overlooking Avalanche Creek Waterfall. The path ends at the Arthur’s Pass Chapel beside the road; its altar window frames the waterfall. The Arthur’s Pass Historic Walk includes a short detour to a platform overlooking a waterfall on Avalanche Creek. The trails therefore offer different highlights: one focuses on the waterfall and chapel, while another features a viewpoint along the way.

Trails to Jacks Hut and into the mountains

The Arthur’s Pass Walking Track passes through alpine shrubland and wetlands to Jacks Hut, a restored former road workers’ hut. The Bealey Valley Track starts at the car park opposite Jacks Hut in Arthur’s Pass Village on SH73. It crosses Bealey Chasm, a narrow gorge where the river cascades over large boulders, and leads to a snowgrass clearing with views of Mt Rolleston. The destinations differ considerably: this route’s hike is defined by the gorge, river, and mountain views.

The two routes of the Avalanche Peak Route start on SH73 in Arthur’s Pass Village and are about 700 metres apart. Check mountain and route conditions, as well as avalanche risk, before setting out. The Mount Bealey Track starts at the end of Mount Bealey Road and climbs steeply to the tree line; it is suitable only for experienced trampers. From the end of the track at the tree line, there are views of Arthur’s Pass and the surrounding mountains.

Near Arthur’s Pass, the Temple Basin Track starts at the Temple Basin car park. The trail climbs steeply to an open tussock basin with ski club buildings and the Lockwood day shelter. Alpine flowers typically bloom in the alpine meadows along the track from November to February. This adds a seasonal highlight to the forest and waterfall trails, while the steep climbs make for a different kind of hiking day.

Village history and practical information

Aniwaniwa was built in 1926 and is a notable example of a residential building constructed as a holiday chalet in Arthur’s Pass. The property is privately owned and not open to the public. For a historical view of the village, the Arthur’s Pass Historic Walk includes a short detour to a platform overlooking a waterfall on Avalanche Creek; the Arthur’s Pass Chapel, meanwhile, is the end point of the Millennium Walk.

Several bus services between Christchurch and the West Coast stop daily in Arthur’s Pass village; the TranzAlpine scenic train also stops there. Check current timetables before travelling. The Arthur’s Pass National Park Visitor Centre provides up-to-date information on trail, river, and mountain conditions, the weather forecast, and avalanche conditions. This information is especially helpful when planning the mountain trails mentioned above.

Choose hotels based on your planned trails

If you’re looking for hotels in Arthur’s Pass, the hike you have planned can be a useful starting point for your selection. The Millennium Walk starts opposite the Visitor Centre, while the Bealey Valley Track starts at the car park opposite Jacks Hut. Compare the location listed for a specific offer with the trailheads that matter for your plans.

Discover more destinations: Waimate District, Little River, Waiau, Lincoln University, Pleasant Point, Temuka, Burnham, Oxford.

For the broader travel overview: Canterbury.