2025 Arthur's Pass Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Arthur's Pass National Park is located in the Southern Alps of New Zealand's South Island. It is an area of incredible natural beauty, with spectacular mountain peaks, glaciers, alpine meadows, and lush rainforests. The park is home to many native bird species, such as the kea, kaka, and kakariki. It is also home to a number of rare and endangered plants and animals, including the great spotted kiwi, the takahe, the lesser short-tailed bat, and the long-tailed bat. Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, mountain biking, camping, and fishing. There are also a number of guided walks and tours available, as well as guided tramping and climbing trips.

Arthur’s Pass is a town that anyone visiting the South Island of New Zealand, going west to Nelson or south to Queenstown, must pass through this town. This route is located on the main road between Christchurch on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island and Greymouth on the west coast, attracting many tourists here. Snow-covered mountains, fast-flowing waterfalls, crystal clear lakes, beautiful glaciers, especially the various hiking trails. #MissingNature

#summervacay #travel Prepare to be mesmerized as you step into the wild beauty of Devil’s Punchbowl Falls—a roaring 131-meter waterfall that crashes down with thunderous power, sending a refreshing mist into the air. The short but steep hike through lush native forest only builds the anticipation, with wooden bridges and bird songs guiding your way. And then—BAM!—you turn the corner, and there it is: a breathtaking curtain of water, framed by towering cliffs and vibrant greenery. It’s the kind of view that makes you pause, soak in the moment, and immediately reach for your camera. Whether you feel the spray on your face or just stand in awe of its raw energy, this is nature at its most dramatic. After the hike, take a deep breath of that crisp mountain air and explore more of Arthur’s Pass—where snow-capped peaks, cheeky kea parrots, and endless alpine adventures await. Visit in winter for a frosty wonderland or in summer when the falls are at their most powerful. Either way, Devil’s Punchbowl is a must-stop that proves New Zealand’s South Island never runs out of jaw-dropping moments.

#summervacay Arthur’s Pass National Park is a dramatic alpine region located in the Southern Alps, offering some of the best high-altitude summer hikes in New Zealand. Tracks like the Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall and Avalanche Peak provide awe-inspiring views, lush forests, and native birdlife. Summer weather brings more stability for tramping and exploring, though conditions can still be rugged and changeable. The village itself is small but atmospheric, nestled in a deep mountain valley. Arthur’s Pass is ideal for adventurous travelers wanting mountain magic without the crowds found in more touristy alpine spots.

In the heart of New Zealand's South Island There is a mountain pass that winds like a dragon's spine. That's Arthur's Pass. There are no dragon boats here, but there are pheasants with their tails spread flying over the mountains; There is no scent of wormwood, but there is a strong smell of freedom wafting through the alpine meadows I hit the trails on Dragon Boat Festival, with homemade rice dumplings stuffed in my backpack. As I walked, I thought: If Qu Yuan came here, he would probably rewrite his poems. Starting from the village, The trails seem to be silk threads drawn from the clouds. Lead me through the woods and valleys, Finally we arrived at the Devils Punchbowl Falls on the top of the hidden mountain. The falling water is like a thousand arrows, or like the tail of an enraged dragon. It seems to be celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival for me, a traveler in a foreign land. Sitting on the cliff, eating cold rice dumplings Beside me are the whistling mountain wind and the uninvited tits At this moment, I truly believe: The soul of a festival never exists only in its hometown. ⸻————Sharing of travel information—————— ▪️Location: Arthur’s Pass National Park, located in the central part of New Zealand’s South Island ▪️Recommended trails: Devils Punchbowl Track (about 1 hour round trip), Avalanche Peak Track (high difficulty, about 6-8 hours) ▪️Transportation: Take the TranzAlpine sightseeing train from Christchurch or drive yourself, about 2-2.5 hours ▪️Best season: November to April (although it is early winter during the Dragon Boat Festival, the weather is still pleasant when it is sunny) #Dragon Boat Festival Destinations #New Zealand #New Zealand South Island

Arthur’s Pass is a dramatic alpine region in the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, and the Avalanche Peak Track offers one of its most thrilling hikes. Climb through beech forest, past rugged ridgelines, and up to a summit with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and glaciers. Keep an eye out for cheeky kea birds along the way. It’s a challenging but rewarding hike that showcases the wild beauty of New Zealand’s high country. #travel #naturalwonders #thingstodo #myitinerary #newzealand #hiking #mountain

#favouriteitinerary Nestled in the heart of the Southern Alps, Arthur’s Pass Village is the perfect gateway to rugged peaks, alpine forests, and stunning waterfalls. A must-visit is the Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall, a 150-meter cascade that thunders down into a misty pool below. Take the short but steep hike through lush beech forest, crossing wooden bridges and climbing steps to reach the best viewpoint. Feel the refreshing spray of the falls and soak in the untouched beauty of Arthur’s Pass National Park. With its dramatic landscapes and powerful waterfall, this adventure is a highlight of New Zealand’s wild West Coast region!

Viaduct Lookout is a scenic viewpoint located on a road along one of New Zealand's beautiful routes. It offers a view of a long road stretching through the valleys and the Otira Viaduct, a bridge that spans 440 meters in length and 100 meters in height. In this area, you might encounter the Kea bird, a symbol of New Zealand, commonly found on the South Island. This viewpoint is a frequent spot to see the Kea bird.

#newzealandtrip Arthur's Pass National Park left me awestruck! Every glance revealed stunning scenery, from towering mountain peaks to serene valleys and sparkling rivers. I felt tiny amidst nature's grandeur. The scenic drive through Moana/Lake Brunner was a highlight, with breathtaking views around every bend. If you're a nature lover or photographer, this park is a must-visit. Take your time, breathe in the fresh air, and soak up the beauty. I LOVED IT!

Discover the incredible wildlife of New Zealand by embarking on an unforgettable journey to Rosewill, Arthur's Pass, and Orana Wildlife Park. Start your adventure in Rosewill, where the iconic New Zealand sheep roam freely across the lush pastures. Experience the charming rural lifestyle as you interact with these friendly animals and learn about sheep farming, a vital part of New Zealand’s heritage. Next, head to Arthur's Pass National Park, a haven for bird enthusiasts. Here, you can spot unique native birds such as the Kea, known for its playful nature, and the endangered Kiwi, a true symbol of New Zealand. The stunning mountain scenery provides a breathtaking backdrop as you hike through pristine landscapes. Finally, visit Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch, where you can get up close with magnificent lions in a naturalistic setting. This unique open-range zoo offers exciting encounters with various wildlife, including giraffes, rhinos, and more. From the rolling hills of Rosewill to the rugged beauty of Arthur's Pass and the thrilling wildlife experiences at Orana, New Zealand promises an adventure that will delight animal lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Don’t miss the chance to connect with the diverse wildlife that makes this country so special! #travel#naturalwonders#trip

#traveldiaries Devil’s Punchbowl is a waterfall of 131 metres and termed to be one of the most impressive waterfall in New Zealand. It is about 2 hours drive away from Christchurch. People said that it is more beautiful in the winter with snow peaks but I visited in the summer. Walk through the lush beech forest and be prepared to climb up flights of steps (150m) to a viewing platform to see the waterfall. You will notice that the punchbowl reflects the bowl-like shape of the rock formation. This gives its name.

This 2-hour round-trip trail is located near Arthur’s Pass and is renowned for its dramatic landscapes. The track, which is approximately 3.2 kilometers long, features a well-maintained path that gradually ascends through lush rainforest. We definitely were rewarded with a stunning view of the Devil's Punchbowl Falls, a 131-meter-tall waterfall cascading down a rugged cliff face. The trail provides diverse scenery, including moss-covered trees and clear mountain streams. While the climb can be steep, the surrounding beauty makes the effort worthwhile. #grouptravel

We took the train from Christchurch to Greymouth early in the morning. The scenery along the way was beautiful, and we couldn't help but take a lot of photos! The train also explained the scenery along the way. There was a cafe on the train. It was Sunday and the train was full! Many people went to the observation car to take pictures. There were no glass windows! It was very windy here! It was actually quite cold that day! Arrived at Arthurs Pass, it was very beautiful. Many people got off the bus here and prepared to go to other places! Most of the most beautiful places ended here! I got off the bus just to take pictures... Because it was a sunny day, the sun was very strong and dazzling! But it was very cold! Finally went to Greymouth... After leaving Greymouth, we went to a very beautiful place I loved. Many people come to Tekapo to see not only the Church of the Good Shepherd but also the lupines! On the way to Tekapo, I discovered many spectacular views, which made me take photos crazily! It takes about 4 hours to get here by car from Christchurch. In summer, you can see the blooming of lupines, and in winter, you can see the snow scene. You can enjoy different visual experiences at different times! I recommend coming in December! The lupines are so beautiful! The Church of the Good Shepherd is very beautiful, the lake next to it is very clear, there is a supermarket nearby, it is a very quiet place☺

Follow me and I will share more information about New Zealand 📍 Otira Viaduct Lookout On South Island Highway 73, an important road to and from Arthur’s Pass National Park, if you pass by this observation deck, be sure to get off and take a look! The famous scenery of Arthur’s Pass is often seen on postcards. It makes me feel like I’m in Huadong, Taiwan! Although it rained heavily today, there are small waterfalls on the nearby mountains, slowly falling from the top of the mountain, giving people the feeling of mini Milford sound! The scenery like the mountains and the land bridge next to it has a bit of melancholy on a rainy day and looks particularly mysterious! #local游#Parent-Child Good Place#familytravel#beaches#romanticgetaway

Devils Punchbowl Waterfall Follow me, I will share more information about New Zealand 📍 Devils Punchbowl Waterfall The largest waterfall in Arthur’s pass, it only takes you about an hour to go back and forth, the trail is mostly stairs, and the uphill slope is obvious. There is a parking lot at the entrance, which is quite convenient! Recommended adventure🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕 Easy parking🌕🌕🌕🌗 Willing to visit again🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗 #localtravel#goodplaceforparents#familytravel#beaches#romanticgetaway

📍New Zealand, Otira Viaduct Lookout Arthur's Pass, known as the most beautiful road in New Zealand, has a lookout where you can capture the magnificent scenery in one shot! Stop by for a moment and feel the vast nature on your way! There are a lot of Kea (New Zealand parakeets) here, and they became aggressive after eating food given to them by tourists. There was a sign asking people not to feed Kea to preserve the ecosystem. #New Zealand #New Zealand Travel #New Zealand South Island #Arthur's Pass

📍New Zealand, Devil's Punchbowl Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall in Arthur's Pass National Park Devil's Punchbowl is a hollow in the side of a hill! The waterfall here is as high as 131 meters, and you can see the waterfall before you even start the track to see the waterfall! It's so cool! #New Zealand #New Zealand Travel #New Zealand South Island #Waterfall