12 Epic Things to do in Arthur’s Pass, NZ

There are many epic highways in New Zealand that even without stopping are bucket list experiences. One of the best is Arthur’s Pass.

This mountain pass highway takes you from the east coast to the west coast of the South Island traveling right through the Southern Alps. It’s most commonly driven from Christchurch to Hokitika. Along the way the views are spectacular and the many attractions and things to do on Arthur’s Pass will keep even the most adventurous travelers busy. Seriously, this highway is spectacular!

With so much to see and do it’s best to plan ahead. Unfortunately, most can’t do everything, however, by reading my guide to the best things to do in Arthur’s Pass, you’ll be able to choose the activities you want to do.

Below I’ve listed the 12 best along with photos, info, and more. That way, you can focus on the road with all your stops planned out ahead of time!

About Arthur’s Pass, New Zealand

Arthur’s Pass is actually a national park located in the Southern Alps. It’s one of New Zealand’s 13 national parks. Traveling over the pass and through the national park is Highway 73 also known as the Great Alpine Highway/West Coast Road. The highway winds its way through the mountains from Christchurch all the way to the West Coast hitting Arthur’s Pass Village and all the epic things to do in this blog along the way.

Climbing up to over 900 meters (2,953 feet), Arthur’s Pass is the highest pass over the Southern Alps. The highway itself is an example of great engineering involving bridges, viaducts, and redirected waterfalls. It is without a doubt one of the best road trips on the South Island.

The actual pass is 45 kilometers (28 miles) long so it doesn’t take that long to drive. However, when traveling from Christchurch, it takes around 3 hours to drive over the pass and hit the West Coast. With that said, those who plan on stopping along the way will need at least 5 to 6 hours. Better yet, rent a car in Christchurch (I use Discover Cars) and then spend a few days on the drive staying in campsites or hotels along the way! Personally, I love staying in Arthur’s Pass Village so I can explore the area!

Because Arthur’s Pass is a mountain pass it is subject to poor road conditions, especially in winter. There are around 3 major snowfall areas on the highway with the potential to make conditions undrivable. It’s important to check road conditions before you leave, carry snow chains in winter, and be prepared for things to change. Arthur’s Pass has been closed for extended periods of time before. Not just in winter either, rain can cause slips. So, have a plan in case this happens to you.

Of course, most people will travel the pass without an issue and the only thing you’ll most likely encounter is cloud cover! If you get a clear day, enjoy it, they don’t happen all that often!

Related Read: People drive thru Arthur’s Pass when road tripping from Christchruch to Punakaiki. Find out all about this road trip including a detailed itinerary!

Things to do on & around Arthur’s Pass, NZ

1. Hike Arthur’s Pass Walking Track

One of the most popular things to do on Arthur’s Pass is to get outside and go for a walk/hike. One of the best trails, suited to most fitness levels is Arthur’s Pass Walking Track.

The 6.8-kilometer (4.2-mile) return track starts from Arthur’s Pass Village at the Devils Punchbowl Parking lot. From there, it’s a gradual climb until you reach the Dobson Memorial at Arthur’s Pass summit. Along the way, you can view amazing waterfalls, beautiful streams, Arthur’s Pass Summit, mountain views, and even Bridal Viel Falls (which I mention below!)

All up, it only takes around 2 to 3 hours to hike the trail and it’s suited to anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.

2. See the famous Devil’s Punchbowl

If you want to visit the most ferocious waterfall in New Zealand then look no further than the Devil’s Punchbowl. The name alone should get you excited, but if that doesn’t, then the fact it’s a 131-meter (430 feet) tall waterfall should!

The waterfall is accessed via the Devil’s Punchbowl Walking Track and is short and sweet with a small elevation gain (be prepared for a few stairs) that takes around 20 minutes each way. Once there, you’ll be amazed at the falls and might even get a little wet. Regardless, this waterfall is super cool.

One thing I love about this activity on Arthur’s Pass it’s perfect for almost any weather. In fact, Arthur’s Pass is often cloudy but that doesn’t take away from this experience. And the rain? Well, that makes it even better! This is easily one of the best hikes on the South Island.

3. Hike Avalanche Peak

Avalanche Peak Route is one of my favorite hikes in New Zealand. However, by no means is this 6-kilometer (3.7 miles) trail easy, in fact, most people take 5 to 6 hours to walk the 6 kilometers up and back down! The reason? The steep terrain and huge elevation gain of over 1,110 meters (3,642 feet). Those who do tackle this monster, get to witness arguably the best panoramic view of the Southern Alps!

The trail can be hiked in a loop or up and back the same trail and starts just across the road from the Devil’s Punchbowl parking lot. The trail is technically a loop, however, many people go up and back the same way. The full loop is around 9 kilometers (5.6 miles). I recommend going clockwise for a steeper but quicker assent, and then a slightly easier way down.

Avalanche Peak sits at 1,833 meters (6,014 feet) above sea level and the trek up can actually be dangerous if you’re not experienced or prepared. Please do not attempt this hike in high winds, rain, or in winter (without the right experience.)

Honestly, when I did it the weather conditions were ideal (a bluebird summer day!), but even then I needed to be prepared. There isn’t much shade along the trail, nor are there places to fill up your water bottle. Bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and water. Also, at the top it is usually much colder than it is down in the Village, so bringing a windbreaker is also a good idea!

Remember, it’s more of a scramble than a hike so some scrambling experience is highly recommended! I got mine tackling the Rocky Mountains back home, so although no walk-in-the-park, I knew what to expect!

4. Visit Arthur’s Pass Village and Visitor Center

Arthur’s Pass Village is in the center of the highway and sits not far from the summit of Arthur’s Pass. If you plan on doing the above hikes, you’ll be visiting the town anyway, so why not get out and take a look around.

The first thing you should do is check out the Arthur’s Pass Visitor Center. Here you can get up-to-date weather info on all the hikes as well as other ideas for things to do and safety information. It’s a great way to get comfortable with the area and have any questions you have answered by a local.

Next, why not get some food!? After a long drive, you must be hungry! Now, there aren’t many options, in fact, there are really only two places and they’re right across from each other. My favorite though is the Wobbly Kea. This cute cafe serves really good food and my personal favorite is their tomato soup – it’s perfect on a cold day in Arthur’s Pass! They also serve cold beer and all your pub food favorites.

The other place is Challenge Arthur’s Pass Cafe and Store. This place serves great coffee and food too and is also the only place to pick up other supplies and snacks you might want. It’s also where you can grab fuel if you need it.

5. Take in the views on Bealey Spur Track

The Bealey Spur Track is one hike those making their road trip over Arthur’s Pass an overnight adventure should not miss.

This 6-kilometer (3.7 mi) each-way hiking trail takes you high above the river valley to the Bealey Hut. Although the trail has an elevation gain of over 600 meters (1,969) it is gradual and not overly difficult. This is a good option for those who want a longer more challenging hike than the waterfall trails in Arthur’s Pass Village, but aren’t quite up to the challenge of Avalanche Peak – it’s a good middle ground!

You can stay in the Bealey Hut on a first-come, first-serve basis and it’s completely free. With that said, it’s an old hut so there are only very basic facilities (it’s more of a shed rather than a hut.)

All up the hike takes around 4 to 5 hours and the views are magnificent on a clear day!

6. Bridal Veil Falls

I wasn’t sure whether I should include this next attraction on this list, however, understanding some people won’t have time to hike longer trails I thought I should!

Bridal Veil Falls is just a waterfall along the Arthur’s Pass Walking Track that I mentioned above. The waterfall is 108 meters (354 feet) tall and is often compared to the Devil’s Punchbowl, however, Bridal Viel Falls is nowhere near as impressive in my opinion.

The walk to the falls takes only 20 minutes each way at most so it’s a great track for those who are short on time. With that said, I’d recommend hiking to the Devil’s Punchbowl instead unless you’re going to hike the full trail to Arthur’s Pass summit.

8. Stop at Otira Viaduct Lookout

There are plenty of places to pull over and admire the views on Arthur’s Pass but few are as spectacular as the view of Otira Viaduct. This huge bridge is 440 meters (1,457 feet) long and it’s the only reason driving Arthur’s Pass is possible.

From the parking lot just off Highway 73, you can get out and get some great photos of the bridge as well as the surrounding landscape. Although only a quick stop, it’s a must on EVERY Arthur’s Pass road trip!

7. Avalanche Creek Falls

This is another attraction suited to those who are short on time. Avalanche Creek Falls is located at the very start of the Avalanch Peak Route walking trail and is a beautiful place to visit. The falls are not that impressive (compared with the others) but with only a 5-minute walk between you and the falls, why not go for a look?

I myself usually get lunch or a coffee in town and walk over to the falls to enjoy it. The surrounding forest is so beautiful and with the sound of the water, you can’t even hear the highway!

9. Drive up to Temple Basin

Temple Basin is the ski field located on Arthur’s Pass. During the winter, it’s a cool place to ski/snowboard with epic views and good runs. I myself have never skied here, but I would love to someday!

Season passes are really cheap and super early bird passes are only $160 NZD! Day passes are also only $60 on weekends and $55 on weekdays. Compared to ski fields in Queenstown and Wanaka, that’s super affordable!

With that said, it’s also a summer destination. In fact, you can hike up to Temple Basin from the parking lot on Highway 73 around 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from the village. The trail zig-zags up to the ski area and on a clear day, you can enjoy magnificent views of Mt Rolleston. The trail takes around 3 hours return and is considered moderate because of the steep terrain.

10. Explore Kura Tawhiti / Castle Hill Conservation Area

Next up is one of the most famous places to visit on the South Island. Kura Tawhiti or Castel Hill Conservation Area is a unique attraction in New Zealand that everyone driving Arthur’s Pass should see. Kura Tawhiti even has Topuni status!

Fun Fact: Topuni status means a chief has placed a cloak over the area. Tōpuni status, therefore, means Ngāi Tahu values in the conservation area are upheld. You can read more about it here.

The rock formations at Kura Tawhiti formed many years ago and were once under the ocean. Over the years, limestone rocks formed and were then eroded away into the unique shapes you see today.

Kura Tawhiti is located on the eastern side of Arthur’s Pass around 90 kilometers (59 miles) from Christchurch. This attraction is well signposted and very hard to miss.

From the parking lot, there is a well-defined walking track you can enjoy that leads through the boulders. It takes anywhere from 40 to 60 minutes to explore the area and the 1.4 kilometers (0.9 mi) each way. The walking track is considered easy, with only grandual uphill sections. You also don’t have to walk the entire thing, just walk as far as you want and then turn back.

This is certainly one of the highlights when driving Arthur’s Pass.

11. Cave Stream Scenic Reserve

I must admit, I was a little nervous before visiting this next attraction on Arthur’s Pass! Cave Stream Scenic Reserve is exactly as the name suggests a 594-meter (1,949 feet) cave with you guessed it, a stream running through it. This really is one of the coolest attractions in Arthur’s Pass and one you won’t read about on many blogs.

Although unique, it’s not for the faint-hearted and does involve some difficult terrain not suited to children or those with knee/hip problems. Accessing the cave is done by following a stream and depending on the weather it can get pretty deep (around waist-deep in some places.) Along the way, you must climb over rocks, and having someone who is fit and strong is recommended to help others (I had my partner with me and he helped others in the cave.)

There are two entrances, so if you plan on walking through, be sure to walk against the current. It takes around 1 hour to traverse the cave and there are some ladders you need to climb. It’s also important to bring one flashlight per person and never go alone.

During winter the water is freezing so it’s not recommended to enter the cave. You should also check all sings before entering, as sometimes the water is too high and you are not allowed to enter the cave. This is especially true in the Spring or after lots of rain.

Thankfully, you don’t need to walk through the cave to enjoy it, and instead, you can walk to the entrance and just enjoy the first part of the cave. This is what a lot of people did while I was there!

The entire landscape here is beautiful so be sure to get out and walk around. The cave is located only 5 minutes from Castle Hill Conservation Area.

12. Lake Pearson

Another quick stop on the road trip over Arthur’s Pass is Lake Pearson. This small wildlife refuge is a beautiful place to stop to stretch your legs or for a bite to eat (if you packed a lunch.) Sit on the shore of Lake Pearson and enjoy the magnificent views of the mountains and even some wildlife. If you’re visiting on a calm day the reflections are stunning! There are also toilets at Lake Pearson so keep that in mind!

For those with a campervan, tent, or motorhome, there is a DOC campsite at Lake Pearson. You can camp here for $10 per night per person (adult). You must book in advance though.

Alternatives to Driving Arthur’s Pass

If you didn’t rent a car for your travels in New Zealand, then you’re going to have to book a tour to experience all that Arthur’s Pass has to offer.

This particular tour will pick you up in Christchurch to start your full-day adventure (about 10 hours)! First, you’ll ride the iconic TranzAlpine Train. This train is famous for the stunning scenery you’ll see from your window.

The TranzAlpine Train journey ends in Arthur’s Pass National Park, where your guide will pick you up to take you in a van to some of the attractions that I mentioned above. Expect to see the Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall, Otira Viaduct Lookout, and Castle Hill!

This tour really is the best option if you don’t have your own wheels. It costs $375 NZD per person and should be booked online here well in advance (it’s very popular and does often full book!)

Where to Stay Along Arthur’s Pass

Accommodation on Arthur’s Pass is very limited, however, there are a couple of places to stay that make this road trip an epic overnight adventure. The most budget-friendly option is the Arthur’s Pass Alpine Motel. This cute motel is located right in Arthur’s Pass Village and comes with basic facilities at very affordable prices. They even have family Chalets!

Another place located near the village is The Nook. This is an Airbnb-style apartment that has fantastic reviews. There is only one room here though so you do need to book well in advance!

For the more luxurious travels consider staying at The Bealey Hotel. It’s around 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from Arthur’s Pass Village but sits on the edge of the Waimakariri River. The rooms here are pretty nice and the views are spectacular!

There are also a few DOC campsites along Arthur’s Pass. I mentioned above about Lake Pearson but there is also, Avalanche Creek Shelter (best located), Hawdon Shelter Campsite, Klondyke Corner Campsite, and Mistletoe Flats Campsite.

Related Read: Continue on your road trip towards the town of Hokitika where you can explore a variety of attractions.

Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand

Let’s face it, you’re going to need wheels to get around New Zealand. Although a small country, buses between destinations are infrequent and expensive. Plus, some of the best experiences you can have in NZ are on road trips!

You have three options when it comes to getting wheels in New Zealand; a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:

• Car – A normal car is the cheapest rental vehicle you can get in New Zealand. It’ll get you around to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels or Airbnbs during your travels (no camping.) The easiest place to rent a car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.

• Campervan – A Campervan is a large van that has a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It is what most budget backpackers get for traveling around New Zealand since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping! You can easily compare campervans, prices, and book on the website Motorhome Republic. We also have a 5% discount code (QUEEN5) with Mad Campers, which you can use at checkout.

• Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting New Zealand. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one, you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. Motorhome Republic is my suggested website for booking a motorhome in New Zealand simply because they are a reliable company and the website is super easy to use! We are also partnered with Kiwi Motorhomes, which is well known as the top motorhome rental company in New Zealand. You can get 5% off using the code Queen5. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in New Zealand!

Travel Insurance Has Your Back!

Life can be unpredictable and when you’re traveling abroad the last thing you want to worry about is getting sick or injured and having to pay out of pocket for treatment.

If this concerns you, SafetyWing can help! SafetyWing specializes in very affordable and comprehensive medical and travel insurance that is aimed at digital nomads, remote workers, and long-term travelers. It costs just $45 USD per 4 weeks!

To start coverage you must purchase it after leaving your home country, so we usually purchase it as soon as we land in the airport.

Since using SafetyWing we’ve been reimbursed thousands of dollars when we’ve gotten sick. During the pandemic, they’ve even gone as far as to pay for our last-minute flights back to Canada before the border closed!

Thanks for reading!

There you have it! All the epic things to do in Arthur’s Pass. This list is the reason I love this place so much and every time I go on a road trip, I try to make a detour through this amazing mountain pass. Trust me, you’ll absolutely love Arthur’s Pass.

Thanks so much for reading! I really hope this guide has helped plan your upcoming trip to Arthur’s Pass. If it has, then check out some more of my blogs. I have so many more in-depth articles on New Zealand including road trips. I’ve also listed some of my most popular guides for you to check out here:

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