Arthur's Pass National Park wilderness guide
National Park · New Zealand

Arthur's Pass National Park

Arthur's Pass National Park offers dramatic alpine scenery, diverse ecosystems, and excellent hiking opportunities, drawing adventurers to explore its rugged terrain.

National Park245,1044+ Trails
DesignationNational Park
Total Wilderness Area245,104
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About Arthur's Pass National Park

Arthur's Pass National Park offers dramatic alpine scenery, diverse ecosystems, and excellent hiking opportunities, drawing adventurers to explore its rugged terrain.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Arthur's Pass National Park, located in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, offers a breathtaking array of geological features, from deep gorges and high mountains to lush beech forests. The park was established in 1929, making it the third national park in New Zealand. It covers approximately 245,104 acres, providing habitat for a range of native species, including the kea, a unique mountain parrot known for its intelligence. The park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering over 62 miles of trails that vary in difficulty and scenic beauty. Notable landmarks include the Devil's Punchbowl Falls, a stunning 131-meter waterfall, and the imposing peaks of the Southern Alps that serve as a dramatic backdrop. Visitors to Arthur's Pass can engage in activities like hiking, birdwatching, and climbing while enjoying the tranquility and raw beauty of the New Zealand wilderness.

Field Guide · National Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Arthur's Pass National Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Devil's Punchbowl Falls✦ Kea sightings in their natural habitat✦ Historic Arthur's Pass Village✦ Otira Gorge with its impressive viaduct
Wilderness Visuals & Gallery

Visual Guide to Arthur's Pass National Park

Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Arthur's Pass National Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Arthur's Pass National Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Arthur's Pass National Park
Park Recreation

Climbing

Available in Arthur's Pass National Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Arthur's Pass National Park
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Arthur's Pass National Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Arthur's Pass National Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access with no entrance fees.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Arthur's Pass National Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Avalanche Creek Shelter

Located in Arthur's Pass Village, offering basic amenities and easy access to popular trails.

Reserve on Recreation.gov
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Arthur's Pass National Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Arthur's Pass, Canterbury
⌖ 6.76 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Arthur's Pass, Canterbury

Arthur's Pass is an adventurer's paradise in the Southern Alps, offering hiking, climbing, and skiing with breathtaking views and challenging terrain. It's a true hidden gem for thrill-seekers.

Spring and Autumn
Explore Town
Arthur's Pass Village, Canterbury
⌖ 6.76 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Arthur's Pass Village, Canterbury

Arthur's Pass Village is a high-country adventure hub in Canterbury’s Southern Alps, perfect for hiking, skiing, climbing, and paddling amid breathtaking alpine scenery and rugged wilderness.

Late Spring to Early Autumn for hiking and paddling; Winter for skiing and snow adventures
Explore Town
Springfield, Canterbury
⌖ 32.76 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Springfield, Canterbury

Springfield, Canterbury offers quiet rural charm and volcanic hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping for outdoor adventurers seeking peaceful, lesser-known New Zealand escapes.

Late Spring to Early Autumn
Explore Town
Greymouth, West Coast
⌖ 38.70 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Greymouth, West Coast

Greymouth on New Zealand’s West Coast offers thrilling river kayaking, epic coastal hikes, mountain biking, surfing, fishing, and caving amidst rugged landscapes framed by ancient forests and wild seas.

Summer to Early Autumn
Explore Town
Greymouth, New Zealand
⌖ 38.70 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Greymouth, New Zealand

Greymouth is a historical coastal town offering adventurous pursuits from hiking in Paparoa National Park to fishing and kayaking in its coastal waters. It's a great base for exploring the diverse landscapes of the West Coast.

Spring and Summer
Explore Town
Darfield, Canterbury Region, New Zealand
⌖ 46.69 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Darfield, Canterbury Region, New Zealand

Darfield offers a unique blend of mountain biking, kayaking, and backcountry skiing against the stunning backdrop of Canterbury’s Southern Alps. Its accessible location makes it a perfect basecamp for outdoor lovers seeking adventure off the usual tourist track.

Spring through Autumn, with winter offering backcountry skiing opportunities.
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Arthur's Pass National Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Arthurs Pass
ADVEXPEDITION
Christchurch, Canterbury
City TourADV Bookable

Arthurs Pass

Experience the dramatic peaks, waterfalls, and native wildlife of Arthurs Pass on a full-day journey with Koru Scenic Tours. Travel from Christchurch across the Southern Alps, stopping at iconic vistas and engineering landmarks.

City TourAll ages • For Groups of 2+, Priced per Group • 12+ Hours • Mountain Vistas, Waterfalls - and KeasCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Canyon Safari
ADVEXPEDITION
Springfield, Canterbury
Photography TourADV Bookable

Canyon Safari

Feel the rush on a 60-minute jet boat ride through alpine waterways near Springfield, New Zealand. Alpine Jet Thrills offers a unique blend of excitement and nature with the iconic Hamilton spin and breathtaking scenery.

Photography Tour1 Hour • Great all Year Round! • Ages 2+Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Seven Hours from Lyttelton into the Waimakariri: The Canyon Discovery Experience
ADVEXPEDITION
Christchurch, Canterbury
Boat TourADV Bookable

Seven Hours from Lyttelton into the Waimakariri: The Canyon Discovery Experience

An all‑inclusive, 7‑hour day tour from Lyttelton Harbour that pairs a scenic boat ride through the Waimakariri River canyon with a gourmet burger lunch, a short native‑bush walk and a meet‑and‑feed with pet merino lambs — this guide pulls together the route, logistics and on‑route highlights.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
General Admission
ADVEXPEDITION
Greymouth, West Coast
AttractionADV Bookable

General Admission

Step into history at Shantytown Heritage Park with a 90-minute visit that features Heritage Train Rides, exhilarating sluice gun demos, and live theatre performances. Discover a unique blend of culture and outdoor adventure on New Zealand’s West Coast.

AttractionAll Day Entry • Top Culture and Heritage Attraction!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
General Admission
ADVEXPEDITION
Greymouth, West Coast
AttractionADV Bookable

General Admission

Discover the natural beauty and cultural significance of Pounamu Pathway in New Zealand. This accessible trail offers stunning vistas, native flora and fauna, and a window into the region’s volcanic past—perfect for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.

AttractionAll ages welcome! • Allow 60 to 90 mins • Discover the life at the Māwhera Pā!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Full Day - West Coast Day Tours
ADVEXPEDITION
Greymouth, West Coast Region
Sightseeing TourADV Bookable

Full Day - West Coast Day Tours

Spend a full day from Greymouth exploring Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks, watching fur seals at Tauranga Bay, and sampling West Coast beers and gin. This small-group tour blends geology, wildlife, and local flavors for a compact, unforgettable introduction to the region.

Sightseeing Tour18+ | West Coast Full-Day Scenic Tour with Wildlife & TastingsCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip