This mountain village in New Zealand's Southern Alps sits 740m above sea level, with hiking trails to Devil's Punchbowl Falls, wild kea parrots, and winter skiing at Temple Basin.
Arthur's Pass, a small village at 740 meters above sea level in New Zealand's Southern Alps, connects the Canterbury Plains to the West Coast through Arthur's Pass National Park. You might see kea parrots investigating your backpack at the village cafe, watch water cascade down the 131-meter Devil's Punchbowl Falls, or climb through mountain beech forest to reach snow-capped Avalanche Peak. During winter, local skiers head to Temple Basin's slopes, while the engineering marvel of the Otira Viaduct carries travelers across a steep mountain gorge.
Getting to Arthur's Pass
State Highway 73 winds through the Southern Alps between Christchurch and Greymouth. You can drive from Christchurch in two hours or from Greymouth in 90 minutes. The TranzAlpine train stops at Arthur's Pass village during its daily route between these cities. The western approach includes the Otira Viaduct, which curves 440 meters across a deep gorge.
Walking Tracks for Different Abilities
You can reach the Devil's Punchbowl Falls viewing platform in 25 minutes each way, walking through beech forest and across wooden bridges. For a harder hike, follow the Bealey Valley track through native bush or spend a full day climbing to Avalanche Peak's summit. Near the village center, the Bridal Veil Track and Historic Village Walk take 30-45 minutes on well-maintained paths.
Mountain Weather and Safety Considerations
The weather in Arthur's Pass National Park changes quickly. Even in summer, temperatures can drop by 10-15 degrees Celsius within an hour, and clear skies can turn to rain in minutes. Tell someone your walking plans and expected return time before heading out. Carry warm clothes, rain gear, sunscreen, food, and water. Stay below the tree line during cloudy or stormy weather.
Wildlife in the National Park
Kea parrots often land near hikers, especially around the village center. While great spotted kiwi live in the forest, these night-active birds rarely appear during daylight hours. Look for wrybill and black-fronted tern along the braided rivers. The western slopes contain red-flowering rata trees and tall podocarp forest, while mountain beech grows on the eastern side.
Winter Sports at Temple Basin
Temple Basin's ski slopes operate from late June to early October. You'll find runs for beginners through to advanced skiers, and designated areas for snowboarding. To reach the ski area, walk 45 minutes uphill from the base facilities above the village. On clear days, you can see across the Southern Alps while skiing.
Historical Background
Māori hunters first crossed the pass while trading pounamu (greenstone) between regions. Arthur Dobson mapped the pass in 1864, leading to road construction during the West Coast gold rush. The 1923 completion of the Otira rail tunnel improved access between regions. You can visit Jacks Hut, built in 1879 and restored in 2004, to see where early road workers lived while maintaining the alpine route.
