Our next destination after Paparoa was Arthur’s Pass. Yes, we enjoy making slightly unconventional decisions! Originally, we had a totally different itinerary and planned to head to Hokitika next, but—I think I’ve mentioned New Zealand’s April weather a few times, right? Well, this time, State Highway 6 was completely washed out by a storm, so we decided to cancel our plans and make our way toward Arthur’s Pass instead.
Arthur’s Pass is both a mountain pass and a small town—named after surveyor Arthur Dudley Dobson—located along the Bealey River. Dobson is credited with discovering a route connecting the Waimakariri River to the West Coast. However, the pass was already known to Māori, and it was actually Māori Chief Tarapuhi who first told Dobson about it.
According to the Department of Conservation (DOC), Arthur’s Pass National Park is considered the least developed and least marked park in New Zealand. But to really appreciate what “not developed” means here, you’ve got to see it for yourself—it’s a testament to how meticulously New Zealand protects and maintains its national parks.
How to get to Arthur’s Pass?
If you’re traveling from Paparoa National Park, the drive to Arthur’s Pass only takes about two hours. There are other ways to reach this small town—I’ll talk more about those in future posts—especially since Arthur’s Pass is a famous stop on the TranzAlpine Train.
So, where should you stop on your way from Paparoa to Arthur’s Pass?
- Monteith’s Brewery
I know, I know—you’re driving. But you can still grab a great lunch here, and if you happen to spend the night in Greymouth, this spot is a must-visit. The beer—and the ale—are really good, so don’t miss out! - DP1 Cafe
Another great spot to spend some time in Greymouth—especially if you’re waiting for a train. The café is just a few minutes’ walk from the station. - Honey Cafe
A nice spot to grab breakfast—and maybe pick up a jar of honey, too. - Otira Gorge Rock Shelter
Stop here to admire Kiwi engineering in action and watch cars cruise right under a waterfall. - Otira Valley Track Car Park
Stop here for a nice view of the valley and the impressive estacade.
Believe me, the ride will be more than just epic! Going from the lush green jungles of Paparoa to the snowy mountains of Arthur’s Pass… New Zealand is truly amazing!
Where to stay at Arhtur’s Pass?
Arthur’s Pass is a small town with limited accommodation and dining options. We spent a night at The Bealey Hotel, which is located just outside the town on the banks of the Bealey River. The views from the hotel’s surroundings are absolutely stunning. The hotel also offers a great dinner menu, and if you have an early start, you can request a breakfast box to take with you.
What to Do in Arthur’s Pass National Park?
If you’re visiting outside of the winter months, skiing won’t be an option—but hiking definitely will be! Here are a few trails we explored:
1. Arthur’s Pass Walking Track
This 7 km trail is easy to follow and showcases the highlights of Arthur’s Pass. With minimal elevation gain, it’s a relatively gentle walk, and we completed it in about 1.5 hours, taking our time to enjoy the scenery.
2. Devil’s Punchbowl Walking Track
Located near the Arthur’s Pass Walking Track, we tackled this trail right after finishing the first one. This walk was much more popular, as it leads to the spectacular Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall—a must-see in the area!
3. Temple Basin Track
This trail leads to the Temple Basin Ski Station. It’s relatively short—around 4.2 km—but has a significant elevation gain of nearly 500 meters, making it a bit more challenging. We completed the hike in about 2 hours.
4. Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area
The last hike we did during our visit to Arthur’s Pass isn’t technically within the national park, but it’s absolutely worth a visit. Surprisingly, this spot isn’t very popular—we only came across one other person during our time there. The 40-minute loop through massive limestone rock formations feels truly magical. The area has a mystical energy that’s hard to describe in words—you just have to experience it yourself.
📌 Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area
Conclusion
Arthur’s Pass may be one of the less developed national parks in New Zealand, but it has plenty to offer. With its snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, and valleys, it stands out as a truly unique destination, unlike any other place in the country.
Leave a Reply