Arthur's Pass Walking Track
Arthur's Pass Walking Track
4.4
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Duration: 1-2 hours
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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.
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4.4
104 reviews
Excellent
54
Very good
39
Average
8
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2
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1
Ed R
Blenheim, New Zealand706 contributions
Dec 2021
From the carpark, cross the bridge, stopping to admire the waterfall, and you're into the forest. Mostly pretty easy but there are some quite challenging stairs early on. Once past those though it is easy walking. Mostly quite sheltered until you get to the first boardwalk just before you cross the highway. Then carry on, detour to Bealey Chasm, and head for the Dobson memorial. This area is more exposed and, on the day i went, the rain unfortunately set in. Despite my gear, I still got wet and so didn't quite make it to the end. Not a lot of birdlife out due to weather but a few South Island robins came to see what I was up to.
Will do it again on a fine day!
Will do it again on a fine day!
Written December 24, 2021
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.
Susan R
Ottawa, Canada163 contributions
Dec 2019
We're not great step climbers (an age thing) so we were unable to go far up the walking trail. Regardless, it's worth parking the car, crossing the bridge, taking in the cascading stream and walking as far as you can because it's a beautiful area with changing vegetation by the season. There are rest and picnic areas on the far side of the river, which would be pleasant for a fair weather lunch.
Written January 20, 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.
Hannah
82 contributions
Feb 2020
Enjoyable, relaxing, quiet hike. Majority of people are going to Devil's Punchbowl, but there are plenty of stunning views on Arthur's Pass Walking Track and if you go further on the trail views of waterfalls as well. Hiked for about an hour before turning back.
Written December 5, 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.
Janka K
Brno, Czech Republic9,379 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Very nice and maintained hiking track that is not so difficult. Even children will manage, with a bit of help from their parents. I still recommend sturdy shoes and some light waterproof jacket, due to the mist from the waterfall that is at the end of the track.
The waterfall at the end of the hiking trail is not the nicest out there, but as a nice end point of your walk, it works.
No ticket to walk the path or to access the waterfall is needed.
The waterfall at the end of the hiking trail is not the nicest out there, but as a nice end point of your walk, it works.
No ticket to walk the path or to access the waterfall is needed.
Written February 24, 2024
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.
Mariana
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia252 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
The first stop after a long drive from Christchurch. We have only 16 day to explore NZ and we are caught in dilemma either to experience the Tranz Alpine or drive the SH73 to Hokitika. The Tranz Alpine definitely one of the ride but it will take us two day and wasting the limited time we have. So we drive the SH73 with no regret. The view is breathtaking and not at once we are ever bored. The landscape didn't stop amaze us until we arrive at Arthur's Pass National park an the almost 3 hour drive is not that bad. We hike the Arthur's Pass walking track and walk the Devil Punchbowl track. That is only what we can manage within 2 hour stop and we take our lunch here. There is a lot to explore but we don't want to reach Hokitika after dark. I hike the other trail but the time is just limited. I think sleepover at Arthur's Pass is need to explore the amazing trail around.
Written September 15, 2017
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.
Conan L
Ontario, Canada432 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
Every cloud has a silver lining. When our Tranz Alpine Train was cancelled because of fire-ravaged trestles, we had to drive from Greymouth to Christchurch, following as much as possible, the same route the train used. While the train slows and stops at scenic points along the way, sites we could not see as they are inaccessible by road, the trade off advantage to us was that we could stop and explore sites that train passengers couldn't. And so we explored at Moana, the Atira Gorge Overlook and the Devil's Corner Overlook. After the stop at Arthur's Pass, the train and highway routes diverge. We took the opportunity to picnic for lunch and explore the Devil's Punchbowl a waterfall that tumbles over the lip of a hanging valley which is clearly vissible from the highway.
The Punchbowl track is just one of many of varying duration and facility emanating from the visitors' centre alongside the highway in Arthur's Pass. The car park is at the end of Punchbowl Road, north and on the opposite side of the road as the visitors' centre. Because they are a danger to the naive and inquisitive kea and kiwis, dogs are not allowed on the trail. Departing the car park, the excellent signage and well maintained track lead across relatively flat river bottom land, crosses the Bealey River and Devil's Punchbowl Creek via stable footbridges, enters a beech forest and begins the climb. Several other tracks splinter off. Thus it was a busy trail including several children. The trail is suitable for those of moderate fitness and climbs 150 metres via a series of manufactured and natural staircases to a viewing platform at the base of the 130 metre waterfall. Just as one reaches the point where the trail descends and one thinks the goal is near, a bend in the trail reveals another stair. Do not be discouraged, the intermediate and final viewpoints are worth the effort. The return is by means of the same route.
While the track can be accomplished by a reasonably fit person in an hour, return, we lingered, grateful for the opportunity to stretch our legs after several hours in a car.
The Punchbowl track is just one of many of varying duration and facility emanating from the visitors' centre alongside the highway in Arthur's Pass. The car park is at the end of Punchbowl Road, north and on the opposite side of the road as the visitors' centre. Because they are a danger to the naive and inquisitive kea and kiwis, dogs are not allowed on the trail. Departing the car park, the excellent signage and well maintained track lead across relatively flat river bottom land, crosses the Bealey River and Devil's Punchbowl Creek via stable footbridges, enters a beech forest and begins the climb. Several other tracks splinter off. Thus it was a busy trail including several children. The trail is suitable for those of moderate fitness and climbs 150 metres via a series of manufactured and natural staircases to a viewing platform at the base of the 130 metre waterfall. Just as one reaches the point where the trail descends and one thinks the goal is near, a bend in the trail reveals another stair. Do not be discouraged, the intermediate and final viewpoints are worth the effort. The return is by means of the same route.
While the track can be accomplished by a reasonably fit person in an hour, return, we lingered, grateful for the opportunity to stretch our legs after several hours in a car.
Written July 11, 2017
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.
M H
Darlington1,179 contributions
Nov 2016 • Couples
There are lots of well sign-posted walking tracks from Arthur's Pass village and if in doubt visit the DOC office can advise on weather conditions. There is a free car park at the start of the actual Arthur's Pass walking track (the same starting point for the Devil's Punchbowl waterfall walk).
The Arthur's Pass walking track is essentially a well maintained valley walk which you can lengthen / shorten with side walks (e.g. with the short Bealey Chasm or Devil's Punchbowl walks). Even though you are in the valley of the mountains, you should still be prepared for quickly changing extremes of weather (which we experienced).
The actual Arthur's Pass walking track takes you to the Bridal Veil Falls lookout (1 km / 20 minutes); Jack's Hut (2.1 kms / 50 minutes) which is on the roadside; Temple Basin car park 3.6 kms / 90 minutes); and Arthur's Pass lookout (3.9 kms / 95 minutes). All times are one way and taken from the DOC signpost. Slightly quicker on return as downhill!
The Arthur's Pass walking track is essentially a well maintained valley walk which you can lengthen / shorten with side walks (e.g. with the short Bealey Chasm or Devil's Punchbowl walks). Even though you are in the valley of the mountains, you should still be prepared for quickly changing extremes of weather (which we experienced).
The actual Arthur's Pass walking track takes you to the Bridal Veil Falls lookout (1 km / 20 minutes); Jack's Hut (2.1 kms / 50 minutes) which is on the roadside; Temple Basin car park 3.6 kms / 90 minutes); and Arthur's Pass lookout (3.9 kms / 95 minutes). All times are one way and taken from the DOC signpost. Slightly quicker on return as downhill!
Written November 18, 2016
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.
Leong Wei Luen
Penang Island, Malaysia242 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
You can get info and recommendations at Arthur Pass Visitor Center on which tracks you should take and the duration and preps you need, but the 2 tracks I am recommending here are two good ones and suitable for the young, old and kids..
First of all, the Millenium Walk. It's a short 10 minutes walk right behind the Visitor's Centre. At the end of the walk you can climb a short staircase to have a view of a small waterfall. Simple walk good for after lunch.
Second, is a must go, Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall. Don't let the name scare you, it's actually one of the best track in Arthur's Pass! Around 5 minutes drive after leaving Arthurs Pass village, park at the spacious car park provided and follow the signboards.First, you will cross Bealey river through a short footbridge. Then keep going for around 1km (passing a series of staircases and rocky grounds), until you reach the viewing platform of the waterfall. Warning, the walk is tiring and not easy at all but the end is rewarding! The view of the waterfall will leave you speechless (and slightly wet from the water sprinkles!)
First of all, the Millenium Walk. It's a short 10 minutes walk right behind the Visitor's Centre. At the end of the walk you can climb a short staircase to have a view of a small waterfall. Simple walk good for after lunch.
Second, is a must go, Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall. Don't let the name scare you, it's actually one of the best track in Arthur's Pass! Around 5 minutes drive after leaving Arthurs Pass village, park at the spacious car park provided and follow the signboards.First, you will cross Bealey river through a short footbridge. Then keep going for around 1km (passing a series of staircases and rocky grounds), until you reach the viewing platform of the waterfall. Warning, the walk is tiring and not easy at all but the end is rewarding! The view of the waterfall will leave you speechless (and slightly wet from the water sprinkles!)
Written November 29, 2016
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.
AlbanyRick
Albany, Australia2,006 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
There are several walking trails in Arthur's Pass, which is a delightful alpine village, and even the drive there from Christchurch is stunning.
The Millennium Walk is a short 10 minute walk starting from the Visitor Centre, and you get to see a nice waterfall along the way.
The Devils Punchbowl Waterfall walk can take as long as an hour, and in the process you get to cross a swing bridge, and get up close to a magnificent waterfall. For me, this has been the highlight of the things I've seen in Arthur's Pass. I've seen it both in early spring (snow-covered) and in summer, and it was beautiful both times.
The Arthur's Pass Walking Track is officially a one-way 7km track that connects several walks and claims to present the best of Arthur's Pass, but I especially recommend the hike to Devils Punchbowl Waterfall as worthwhile, if you have an hour to spare.
The Millennium Walk is a short 10 minute walk starting from the Visitor Centre, and you get to see a nice waterfall along the way.
The Devils Punchbowl Waterfall walk can take as long as an hour, and in the process you get to cross a swing bridge, and get up close to a magnificent waterfall. For me, this has been the highlight of the things I've seen in Arthur's Pass. I've seen it both in early spring (snow-covered) and in summer, and it was beautiful both times.
The Arthur's Pass Walking Track is officially a one-way 7km track that connects several walks and claims to present the best of Arthur's Pass, but I especially recommend the hike to Devils Punchbowl Waterfall as worthwhile, if you have an hour to spare.
Written February 11, 2016
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.
Flannery52
Chapel Hill, NC768 contributions
Mar 2016 • Couples
The Devil's Punchbowl is just a portion of this entire walking track. Allow an hour to get there and back. Beware! The hike has ~300 steps, ascending and descending and spread out at times. It's certainly worth it. Just be aware. Put DEET on before getting out of your car! Sand flies got us, and bites itched for 2 weeks.
Written April 21, 2016
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.
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