Hike to Devils Punchbowl Falls, Arthur's Pass

Arthur's Pass National Park is an extraordinary area of New Zealand's South Island, nearly untouched, with accessible trails into the mountain pass, which is part of New Zealand's "Southern Alps". This trail leads into the free ski camp, a basin that allows for good speed and access. The hike gains elevation rapidly and weather dependent can require proper snow and ice attire. The easier aspect...

There are actually two trails leading up to the summit: the Avalanche Peak Track and Scott's Track. The former begins at the Arthur's Pass Visitor Centre while the latter begins down the main road, across from the Devil's Punchbowl Falls (less than 1 km south of the visitor centre). Both trails begin steeply through dense forest and don't allow for many views early on. The trails are rugged at ...

DAY 1Greyneys Shelter (SH73) – Goat Pass - 5h / 9km (5.6mi) / +400m (1300ft) The route starts here, near Greyneys Shelter on SH73, 5 km (3.1mi) south of Arthur’s Pass Village. You will need to cross Bealey River after it meets the Mingha River, but don't try to cross the river if the Bealey River is too high.Once you have crossed the Bealy River, follow the Mingha riverbed (a few river crossin...

The beginning starts with the popular day hike climb up Avalanche Peak in Arthur’s Pass, NZ. You can view that route on the Outbound here. Scott’s Track up is a bit longer but less steep and with better views so I’d recommend taking that up. Should only take around 2-3 hours, but you’ll want to start as early as you can in the morning so there’s no rush for the next piece and you avoid any afte...

The trail starts at the carpark to the famous Devils Punchbowl Falls and heads up towards the falls themselves before taking a turn up and to the right. You'll pass through the forest before the trees lower in height and you'll have amazing views across to the south over to Mount Rolleston and Avalanche Peak. The tree line will take around 2 hours to get to and after that you're into the real s...

Several mountaineering routes start right off the road in Arthur's Pass making it a great alpine training ground with nearly endless opportunities. Many of the routes are just hiking routes in summer, but in winter snow piles up to transform them into steep, exposed and exciting climbs. I will outline the basics of the more popular routes below. There are place in order of difficulty, beginning...