3 Must-Do Hikes in Arthur’s Pass National Park
Located just two hours from Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island, Arthur’s Pass National Park spans 457 square miles of awe-inspiring alpine beauty. With 62 trails ranging in length, difficulty, and scenery, it’s an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise!
We only had one day to explore, but managed to pack in three short, yet incredible hikes. If you’re short on time but still looking for mountain views, cascading waterfalls, and diverse plant life, these three trails are the perfect way to make the most of your time in Arthur’s Pass.
Where to stay
For this trip, we checked off a bucket list experience, exploring this gorgeous area by camper van. Whether you’re traveling in a van, pitching a tent, or car camping, there are several great options nearby.
Jackson’s Retreat Holiday Alpine Park
Our top pick! The night before our visit to Arthur’s Pass, we stayed at a paid campground to do laundry, shower, and run the heater (we visited in late fall/early winter). I’m so glad I stumbled across it online—wish we’d had another night here!
- Distance: 33 km (20.5 miles) west of Arthur’s Pass
- Cost: $55NZD per night for a powered site
- Facilities: Hot showers, flush toilets, coin laundry, communal kitchen/lounge
- Bonus: A private glowworm trail—no tour needed!
- Vibe: Peaceful, eco-friendly, and surrounded by native forest
- More about Jackson’s Retreat
Lake Pearson / Moana Rua
- 33.5 km (21 miles) south of Arthur’s Pass
- $10NZD per adult / $5NZD per child
- 20 non-powered sites for camper vans, cars, and tents
- Vault toilets
- Lakeside views and great birdwatching
Mistletoe Flats Campsite
- 32 km (20 miles) southeast of Arthur’s Pass
- $10NZD per adult / $5NZD per child
- 10 non-powered sites for cars and tents
- Vault toilets
- Surrounded by beech forest, near biking trails
Klondyke Corner
- 8 km (5 miles) south of Arthur’s Pass
- $10NZD per adult / $5NZD per child
- 40 non-powered sites for camper vans, cars, and tents
- Vault toilets
- Large open area, popular in summer
Greyneys Shelter Campsite (Freedom Camping)
- 3 km (2 miles) south of Arthur’s Pass
- Free
- 10 non-powered sites in a grassy area
- Vault toilet
- Near the Old Coach Road Walk, includes a historic stone shelter
Otira Valley Track
Full disclosure: our original plan was to hike Avalanche Peak during our one-day visit to Arthur’s Pass. While I’m sure it would have been epic, the mountain weather had other plans, and we weren’t willing to risk it. So, we pivoted and fortunately found what became our favorite hike of the entire trip, Otira Valley Track.
The trail begins at a small parking lot off Pass Street. It’s a 2.2-mile out-and-back with a 554 ft elevation gain. While the path is rocky and overgrown in places, it’s easy to follow and not technically challenging.
You’ll stay tucked in an alpine valley, tracing a charming river, through golden tussock and past small water runoffs. All the while, Mt. Rolleston towers above you, growing more majestic the deeper in you go.
Your turnaround point is the Otira footbridge. There’s a sign marking it, and you do not want to hike past this bridge unless you are an experienced and prepared mountaineer with proper gear.
The hike back is just as stunning, with sweeping views of Mt. Kaimatau. Even as we approached the parking lot, the scenery held strong, barely touched by the road or passing cars.
We visited in May (off-season) and only saw three other groups. The trail felt peaceful and relatively easy, as long as you watch your footing. After a heavy snowfall, though, this hike could get sketchy, so plan accordingly.
All in all, Otira Vally Track took us about an hour, and we were completely captivated by its beauty. If you’re visiting Arthur’s Pass, this one’s a must.
Devil’s Punchbowl Falls
Just a 6-minute drive down highway 73 from Otira Valley Track, you’ll reach the parking lot for Devil’s Punchbowl Falls- one of the most popular hikes in Arthur’s Pass, and for good reason. This 430 ft waterfall is truly majestic, and definitely worth he climb up all those stairs.
From the parking lot, you’ll find a junction marked by a sign for three different trails. Follow the one marked for Devil’s Punchbowl. A footbridge leads you across Bealey River, offering you a glimpse of the falls. The next bridge crosses Devil’s Punchbowl Creek, and from there, the views only get better.
You’ll be surrounded by diverse, lush vegetation, with a chance to spot some wildlife. We were lucky enough to see a couple of fantails (pīwakawaka) and hear the kea birds echoing through the trees.
The remainder of the hike consists of a series of stairs that climb through switchbacks. While this is considered an easy trek, the stairs can leave you a bit out of breath. The view at the top is certainly worth it, though.
At the top, a viewing platform gives you an up-close look at the waterfall plunging into steep rock shelves below. This basin inspired the name “Punchbowl”. You’ll likely feel the mist as the water crashes down. It’s amazing how accessible this trail is, yet it delivers such a spectacular experience.
From here, you’ll head back out the way you came to either go back to the parking lot or continue to the next trail I’ll be covering.
Bridal Veil Falls Lookout Walk
This trail shares a parking lot with Devil’s Punchbowl. At the junction for the three trails, you’ll follow the sign for Bridal Veil Falls Lookout, a quick 1.1-mile out-and-back hike with just 278 feet of elevation gain.
This easy hike begins similarly to Devil’s Punchbowl, crossing the Bealey River and leading you into a forested area. You’ll pass under a canopy of moss-covered beech trees, with another opportunity to spot some of the native birds.
There are a few stairs to climb, but nothing like the ascent to Devil’s Punchbowl. You’ll cross a couple of quaint bridges over small streams before the trail flattens out. At the junction, take a left to reach the lookout point. A picnic table awaits, placed so you can sit and soak in the views.
Although this trail doesn’t take you to the base of the waterfall, the lookout offers a spectacular view of Bridal Veil Falls, which drops 350 feet down into a forested canyon. From here, you can admire the surrounding green mountain peaks. It’s one of those places where you’re surrounded by so much greatness and reminded of how small you actually are- my favorite kind of reminder.
Once you’re ready, follow the same trail back out to return to the parking lot.
Building your own adventure.
Arthur’s Pass National Park is a destination you do not want to miss on your South Island road trip. Whether you have a full week or only a day to explore, you will not be disappointed. I hope that by sharing our experience, I was able to convince you to add Otira Valley Track, Devil’s Punchbowl, and Bridal Veil Falls Lookout to your itinerary. These hikes are a reminder that a journey doesn’t always have to be challenging to be incredible.
If you’re looking for more inspiration for your trip to New Zealand, checkout these articles!
Planning Your Journey to Middle Earth: Stops to Make When Traveling from Auckland to Queenstown.
Your Guide to Hobbiton: What to know before you go.
