Arthur's Pass National Park★★
The Arthur's Pass National Park is located on the roof of the South Island — an alpine national park with rugged peaks, waterfalls, Keas (cheeky mountain parrots), and some of the best day hikes on the South Island. The eponymous mountain village at 737 meters is New Zealand's highest village and the perfect stopover between Christchurch and the west coast — or a standalone hiking destination for 2–3 days.
★★★ Devils Punchbowl Falls
The Devils Punchbowl Falls (131 meters high) are the postcard motif of the park — a short, steep climb (1 hour round trip, 200 meters elevation gain) from the village leads to the base of the waterfall, which plunges into a perfect natural rock arena. In spring (September–November), the waterfall is at its most powerful — snowmelt fills the stream. The path is well-maintained but steep in places — sturdy footwear recommended.
★★ Avalanche Peak Track
The Avalanche Peak Track (8 km, 6–8 hours, 1,100 meters elevation gain) is the most challenging and rewarding day hike in the park: At the summit (1,833 m), you have a 360-degree panorama over the entire Southern Alps — snow-covered peaks in all directions, the Waimakariri River as a turquoise ribbon in the valley, and in clear weather, you can see from the Pacific to the Tasman Sea (east to west coast). The ascent is steep and the last 200 meters on loose scree, but not technically difficult. Only in good weather!
★★ The Keas
The Keas — New Zealand's cheeky, highly intelligent mountain parrots (the only alpine parrots in the world) — are ubiquitous in Arthur's Pass. The olive-green birds with bright orange-red underwings are notorious for their curiosity and destructiveness: They tear off wiper blades, dismantle shoes, open backpack zippers, steal sandwiches, and have even learned to open trash cans. They use tools, solve complex puzzles, and can work remarkably coordinated in groups — one Kea distracts, the other steals.
Keas are endangered (about 3,000–7,000 animals) and strictly protected. Do NOT feed them (human food makes them sick and dependent) and secure all edibles in the car or backpack. They often come to the visitor center parking lot, the campsite, and the viaduct lookout — perfect for observing and photographing. Their intelligence and cheeky behavior make them the most entertaining birds in New Zealand.
Great Alpine Highway
From Arthur's Pass, the Great Alpine Highway (SH73) leads in 2 hours to Greymouth on the west coast — one of the most beautiful pass roads in the Southern Hemisphere. The Otira Gorge on the west side is particularly dramatic: steep switchbacks, dripping rainforest, waterfalls directly onto the road, and an abrupt change from alpine tussock landscape to lush, moss-covered rainforest within a few kilometers.
💡 Tipp
The Arthur's Pass Visitor Centre (DOC) has excellent hiking information and shows current weather conditions. The weather in the park changes extremely quickly — always have a rain jacket and warm layers. The keas often come to the visitor center parking lot — close car windows and leave nothing outside! The village has a small café (Arthur's Pass Store & Café, 7:30–17:00) and a gas station — refuel here, the next one is 90 km away.
Achtung
The Avalanche Peak Track is an alpine route, not a walk. Attempt only in good weather, bring full alpine gear (warm layers, rain jacket, gloves, hat). In winter (Jun–Sep), the route is dangerous without alpine experience and crampons. Always register with DOC and check the MetService weather app.
