Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre
Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre
Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
2 within 3 miles
Attractions
11 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
218 reviews
Excellent
127
Very good
72
Average
16
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Kris V
Oak Bluffs, MA44 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
The employees who work behind the visitors counter may be volunteers, I'm not sure. But they are committed to helping you experince the park to its fullest. There is one gas pump open until 9pm. Understand you'll pay an extra 30-40 cents NZ per liter for the convenience. A gift shop has well priced items including the sun glasses I needed, only $35NZ for polarized ones. Trail maps are not free in the visitor center but you are encouraged to take pics of the trail maps on display.
Great idea! We did three trials, all different: Devil's Punchbowl (400 steps), Bealey Valley which walks you through a rain forest if ferns, etc and ends at a mountain stream with huge glacial boulders, where you can enjoy your lunch, as we did!
Great idea! We did three trials, all different: Devil's Punchbowl (400 steps), Bealey Valley which walks you through a rain forest if ferns, etc and ends at a mountain stream with huge glacial boulders, where you can enjoy your lunch, as we did!
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Noeline M
Christchurch, New Zealand1,113 contributions
Sep 2020
Arthur's Pass is a great area, for day trips or to stay, with great , tramping, bird life & watching, hunting, mountain biking, camping, fishing, short walks , ski fields not far away .A lovely little township with great information centre , Pub & restaurants & accommodation. You have to be carful of the inquisitive Keas .The Transalpine train stops there . A great stop when travelling over to the West Coast . About 2hrs drive from Christchurch over the Southern Alps . A Must Stop over . Highly Recommend
Written September 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RandomUncle
Singapore, Singapore23 contributions
Dec 2019
We were forced to re route our journey from the west coast to Queenstown as FJ was impassable due to the heavy storm. This is longest drive we had to take cutting across Arthur's pass.
We were handsomely rewarded with a drive to the clouds and down Arthur's pass promising breathtaking views on the inlands. i am glad we made that journey
We were handsomely rewarded with a drive to the clouds and down Arthur's pass promising breathtaking views on the inlands. i am glad we made that journey
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
michaelcostello
Sydney, Australia54 contributions
Jan 2020
The long drive (constant summer roadworks don't help) from Christchurch to FJ Glacier really needs a good break in the middle. The informative visitor centre delivers and the cafes, souvenir shops, tiny chapel, and more makes for an enjoyable hour or so ... especially if a Kea (alpine parrot) is nearby. Take an hour or so to fully refresh for the west coast drive ahead
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deanosaur89
Edmonton, Canada9,226 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
The information centre has some very informative displays for the Kea, Kiwi and predators in the area. They also had a nice clean bathroom area. We lucked out and saw some Keas at the Kea Kiosk which was fun to see and provided some good information about the birds. They had a lot of stamps and my wife has been collecting them lately so she was very pleased. The prices in the gift shop were also quite fair.
The Arthur Pass Information Centre is about halfway through the Arthur Pass and if you ever get the chance this is one of the best drives in the world. Very scenic and there are quite a few places to get out, sight see and hike. The information centre is located in the Arthur's Path Village and has a few conveniences in the area.
The Arthur Pass Information Centre is about halfway through the Arthur Pass and if you ever get the chance this is one of the best drives in the world. Very scenic and there are quite a few places to get out, sight see and hike. The information centre is located in the Arthur's Path Village and has a few conveniences in the area.
Written July 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BangkokSachse
Bangkok, Thailand52,890 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We drove from Franz Josef Glacier to Arthur’s Pass. We stayed one night at a hotel in Arthur’s Pass. Then we drove to Christchurch next day. The West Coast Road is amazing on a clear day. The mountains along the road were beautiful.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RobEmbury
Melbourne, Australia20 contributions
May 2015 • Solo
Arthur's Pass National Park is stunning. There is no other word available that comes close. A stop in at the Visitor Centre is a must - the weather can change in a heartbeat in this alpine environment, so if you are looking to go on any lengthy hiking trails then make sure you are prepared.
The friendly folks at the Visitor Centre can give you the latest on the weather and what it is likely to do, spoken from experience, and can also give you updates on any changes to conditions on any of the walking tracks. They have heaps of local information on the terrain, wildlife, and the different walks available.
I walked to the Devil's Punchbowl waterfall, which was fantastic - if it is has been raining or snowing recently, then prepare to get wet on the viewing platform from the spray. The walk is fairly easy but there are quite a few steps - keep an eye out for the local birds such as the New Zealand Tomtit (see picture).
I then followed the Arthur's Pass walk away from the village, and took the Bealey Valley track. Again, a fairly easy walk and you get to see some really beautiful forest as well as a few more smaller waterfalls (like the Bridal Veil falls).
On the Bealey Valley trail you come out of the forest momentarily to some amazing views up towards Mt Rolleston and the village. If there is snow on the peaks, this really is stunning. You also have a nice view of the Bealey Chasm, which is a rocky contraction of the Bealey River where the water thunders through.
A little further on and you will reach the river again, and this is where the main track stops. You have the option of continuing up to the peak but the track is not well marked from there on - so you need to know what you are doing to continue.
At this spot though, you have beautiful cascading waterfalls and a view up to Mt Rolleston again. This is a fantastic spot to sit and have some lunch (if you brought it), and take in the breathtaking views of the falls with the peak above - even more stunning if you have snow on the peaks. I chose to have a beer instead ;)
This is also a really great spot for photographers (like me). If you bring food/drink, please make sure you take any rubbish etc with you. This place is pristine, and I was impressed with how clean it was compared to hikes I have done back home in Australia. Please keep it that way.
All of the walks I did were suitable for families - nothing too steep or challenging. It is important to have the right footwear - hiking boots if possible - if there has been any rain/snow then there is a good chance your shoes will get wet. Again, the weather can change quickly - make sure you have warm and/or waterproof gear with you just in case.
I can't wait to get back and check out more of the tracks - this was a one day visit this time. Arthur's Pass really is like a lost world, and I'm sitting here typing this still in awe of the enormity of the place. Just stunning. If you are coming from Christchurch, the drive is magnificent as well.
If you don't have a car, there are a couple of options from Greymouth or Christchurch. You can take the train or the bus. The train is expensive, but I'm sure it would offer some brilliant views. I took the bus, which was cheap, and still gave me some great scenery - have a chat to your driver and ask if he/she is happy to make a couple of quick photo stops on the way if they are not running late. My driver both ways was fine with this.
If you are in the Christchurch/Greymouth region you'd be crazy not to visit Arthur's Pass, even for a day trip.
The friendly folks at the Visitor Centre can give you the latest on the weather and what it is likely to do, spoken from experience, and can also give you updates on any changes to conditions on any of the walking tracks. They have heaps of local information on the terrain, wildlife, and the different walks available.
I walked to the Devil's Punchbowl waterfall, which was fantastic - if it is has been raining or snowing recently, then prepare to get wet on the viewing platform from the spray. The walk is fairly easy but there are quite a few steps - keep an eye out for the local birds such as the New Zealand Tomtit (see picture).
I then followed the Arthur's Pass walk away from the village, and took the Bealey Valley track. Again, a fairly easy walk and you get to see some really beautiful forest as well as a few more smaller waterfalls (like the Bridal Veil falls).
On the Bealey Valley trail you come out of the forest momentarily to some amazing views up towards Mt Rolleston and the village. If there is snow on the peaks, this really is stunning. You also have a nice view of the Bealey Chasm, which is a rocky contraction of the Bealey River where the water thunders through.
A little further on and you will reach the river again, and this is where the main track stops. You have the option of continuing up to the peak but the track is not well marked from there on - so you need to know what you are doing to continue.
At this spot though, you have beautiful cascading waterfalls and a view up to Mt Rolleston again. This is a fantastic spot to sit and have some lunch (if you brought it), and take in the breathtaking views of the falls with the peak above - even more stunning if you have snow on the peaks. I chose to have a beer instead ;)
This is also a really great spot for photographers (like me). If you bring food/drink, please make sure you take any rubbish etc with you. This place is pristine, and I was impressed with how clean it was compared to hikes I have done back home in Australia. Please keep it that way.
All of the walks I did were suitable for families - nothing too steep or challenging. It is important to have the right footwear - hiking boots if possible - if there has been any rain/snow then there is a good chance your shoes will get wet. Again, the weather can change quickly - make sure you have warm and/or waterproof gear with you just in case.
I can't wait to get back and check out more of the tracks - this was a one day visit this time. Arthur's Pass really is like a lost world, and I'm sitting here typing this still in awe of the enormity of the place. Just stunning. If you are coming from Christchurch, the drive is magnificent as well.
If you don't have a car, there are a couple of options from Greymouth or Christchurch. You can take the train or the bus. The train is expensive, but I'm sure it would offer some brilliant views. I took the bus, which was cheap, and still gave me some great scenery - have a chat to your driver and ask if he/she is happy to make a couple of quick photo stops on the way if they are not running late. My driver both ways was fine with this.
If you are in the Christchurch/Greymouth region you'd be crazy not to visit Arthur's Pass, even for a day trip.
Written May 14, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
D M
Perth, Australia72 contributions
Sep 2012 • Family
I am happy to read other reviewers had better experiences here. Perhaps we just fluked a very bad day.
We stopped here on September 19, around 1-2pm, our first stop from Christchurch. My 12yr-old son loves rocks/mountains/Kiwis/Keas pretty much anything nature-related, he was keen to pop in and buy his first souvenirs from this very beautiful part of the world.
We walked in and greeted the 2 young men who stood behind the counter facing us. Both were staring at computer screens. One grunted a hello back, the other ignored us completely. Odd.
We looked around at the topographical displays etc. My son was going to ask the young men a question but they didn't seem keen to acknowledge him; they both continued transfixed at their computer screens.
I looked through the book displays and directed another question their way. Again, stony silence&no eye-contact. What could have been so intriguing on their computer screens we wondered?? My son&I thought perhaps they didn't hear us, but that was extremely unlikely as they were only metres away from us&we were the only other people in the room, actually, the entire building.
After 10 minutes of no service/no interest/very awkward silence we decided to leave. It was embarrassing.
A few hours' drive away we found the bustling Visitor Centre at FJ Glacier township, and the lady behind the counter was extremely friendly&helpful&informative. We spent our tourist dollars there, instead.
A tip to those young men - if you are going to work in the tourism industry you need to actually like the humans!
We stopped here on September 19, around 1-2pm, our first stop from Christchurch. My 12yr-old son loves rocks/mountains/Kiwis/Keas pretty much anything nature-related, he was keen to pop in and buy his first souvenirs from this very beautiful part of the world.
We walked in and greeted the 2 young men who stood behind the counter facing us. Both were staring at computer screens. One grunted a hello back, the other ignored us completely. Odd.
We looked around at the topographical displays etc. My son was going to ask the young men a question but they didn't seem keen to acknowledge him; they both continued transfixed at their computer screens.
I looked through the book displays and directed another question their way. Again, stony silence&no eye-contact. What could have been so intriguing on their computer screens we wondered?? My son&I thought perhaps they didn't hear us, but that was extremely unlikely as they were only metres away from us&we were the only other people in the room, actually, the entire building.
After 10 minutes of no service/no interest/very awkward silence we decided to leave. It was embarrassing.
A few hours' drive away we found the bustling Visitor Centre at FJ Glacier township, and the lady behind the counter was extremely friendly&helpful&informative. We spent our tourist dollars there, instead.
A tip to those young men - if you are going to work in the tourism industry you need to actually like the humans!
Written October 15, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KiwiSaver
Motueka, New Zealand111 contributions
Aug 2011
Arthur's Pass was gazetted in 1929 as the first National Park in New Zealand's South Island. The Arthur's Pass Visitor's Center on State Hwy73 is home to the National Park office and information site. As well as having an extensive display illustrating and detailing the local flora and fauna, there is a museum section outlining the early travel by Maori, the exploration by European surveyors and the alpine road and rail construction, together with the area's development as a skiing, mountaineering and tramping mecca. An original Cobb & Co., stage coach is also within the premises, these providing the chief means of commercial transport across the nearby 920m Arthur's Pass, from 1866 until the opening of the railway line across the Island in 1923.
The office is open every day to provide assistance to walkers and trampers, mountaineers and skiers, and to the public and tourists. Maps, route guides, hut tickets, books, cards, T shirts etc., are available together with information on the prevailing ground and snow conditions, and weather forecasts, from the helpful counter staff.
Additional information on Arthur's Pass, and the National Park, is available from several excellent non-commercial websites :
www.arthurspass.com - contains a myriad of local information.
www.softrock.co.nz - specialises in mountaineering information.
www.apwt.org.nz - outlines the Arthur's Pass Wildlife Trust's recovery projects.
www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/national-parks/arthurs-pass/ - is the Department of Conservation website.
The office is open every day to provide assistance to walkers and trampers, mountaineers and skiers, and to the public and tourists. Maps, route guides, hut tickets, books, cards, T shirts etc., are available together with information on the prevailing ground and snow conditions, and weather forecasts, from the helpful counter staff.
Additional information on Arthur's Pass, and the National Park, is available from several excellent non-commercial websites :
www.arthurspass.com - contains a myriad of local information.
www.softrock.co.nz - specialises in mountaineering information.
www.apwt.org.nz - outlines the Arthur's Pass Wildlife Trust's recovery projects.
www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/national-parks/arthurs-pass/ - is the Department of Conservation website.
Written August 16, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
haslinarusdi
Subang Jaya, Malaysia116 contributions
Jun 2013 • Family
The trip to The Arthus's Pass from Christchurch took about 2 hours to reached the end point of the pass. Before you reach there you can already see the snow capped mountain from far. The view was spectacular and I felt that as if I am in a studio full of large mountain paintings. As you are near to the Pass the mountains become larger and majestically beautiful. You will feel that you are not in the real world! It is really a worth trip and I will definitely come back again.
Written September 14, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing