Arthur’s Pass National Park
Motorists travel over Arthur’s Pass when crossing the Southern Alps between the east and west coasts of New Zealand’s South Island. Massive peaks surround the pass, skirted by beech forests that enclose alluring waterfalls. It’s well worth stopping along State Highway 73 as it crosses through Arthur’s Pass National Park to take a closer look. The park has numerous hiking tracks, both difficult and easy, that begin from car parks right along SH 73. Within the park’s 1,145 square kilometers, you’ll also find Arthur’s Pass Village, which has basic services and lodging like Arthur’s Pass Alpine Motel. The national park has five campground, including Avalanche Creek Shelter Campground in Arthur’s Pass Village and Greyneys Shelter Campground, 6 kilometers to the south.
Shorter tracks in Arthur’s Pass National Park present woodland walks where waterfalls can be observed (Devils Punchbowl Falls should not be missed), while longer tracks and routes ascend to soaring peaks. Dogs and other pets are not allowed on any hiking tracks or campgrounds in the park. Bikes are not allowed on hiking tracks, but can access limited mountain biking tracks in Arthur’s Pass National Park.
Tracks in Arthur’s Pass National Park
Arthur’s Pass National Park has several walks for visitors to enjoy.
 | Otira Valley Track This 3.8-kilometer round trip hike ventures up a valley on the north side of Arthur’s Pass, finding a footbridge over Otira River and broad views of surrounding mountains. |
 | Bealey Chasm Walk This short walk passes through moss-covered beech trees to a bridge over Bealey River where it slips through a ravine. |
 | Jacks Hut to Bridal Veil Falls Lookout This 2.5-kilometer round trip hike on Arthur’s Pass Walking Track crosses beech forests and alpine shrublands, dropping across a canyon to arrive at a view of Bridal Veil Falls. |
 | Arthur’s Pass Village to Bridal Veil Falls Lookout This 1.8 kilometer round trip hike up Arthur’s Pass Walking Track takes a gradual approach to a viewpoint with a perspective of Bridal Veil Falls and surrounding mountains. |
 | Devils Punchbowl Falls This 2-kilometer round trip hike ascends to a viewing platform near the base of an impressive waterfall that should be a top priority for Arthur’s Pass National Park visitors. |
 | Millennium Walk to Avalanche Creek Waterfall This 500-meter round trip walk goes from Arthur’s Pass National Park Visitor Centre to a bridge and viewpoint below a waterfall on Avalanche Creek as it approaches Arthur’s Pass Village. |
 | Old Coach Road Walk If you stay overnight at Greyneys Shelter Campground, start the day with this 1 to 1.4-kilometer loop that leaves the campground and travels through the surrounding forest along an old roadbed. |
Camping in and around Arthur’s Pass National Park
Campgrounds are available in and around Arthur’s Pass Village.
 | Avalanche Creek Shelter Campground This 10-site campground in Arthur’s Pass Village has a large shelter and easy access to the park visitor center and nearby hiking tracks. |
 | Greyneys Shelter Campground Camping is free around this small 3-wall stone shelter along State Highway 73 south of Arthur’s Pass Village. |
 | Lake Pearson (Moana Rua) Campground This campground has about 20 sites along the shore of a peaceful lake between mountains in the Canterbury Region near Arthur’s Pass National Park. |
Lodging near Arthur’s Pass National Park
Visitors can stay in Arthur’s Pass Village.
 | Arthur’s Pass Alpine Motel This lodging option in Arthur’s Pass Village offers self-contained cabin accommodations that are convenient for visiting Arthur’s Pass National Park. |
Or view New Zealand tracks, campgrounds, and lodging in a larger map
