Arthur's Pass National Park
- Address: West Coast Road, Arthur's Pass
- Hours: Visitors' Center open daily 8am - 5pm
- Admission: Free
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Nature & Wildlife,
Off-the-Beaten Path,
Walking/Hiking,
National Park
This superbly scenic national park is in Central Canterbury, rising out of the plains. A magnet for wintertime skiers and summertime hikers, Arthur’s Pass National Park is also a popular day trip from Christchurch.
Easy day walks fan out from the visitor information center, leading to vantage points affording panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
Providing an instant snapshot of New Zealand's legendary natural beauty, a day trip to the park also reveals glimpses of extensive beech forests, rainforest, mountain passes and soaring peaks.
If you're planning on experiencing a bit of New Zealand 'tramping' (the NZ word for hiking) take note that this is tricky territory, and for experienced hikers only. Tracks are not continuously marked, and they can involve river crossings, plus the weather is notoriously changeable.
Latest Reviews
Review by Eric M, February 2013
Doing what: Arthur's Pass National Park with TranzAlpine Train Small Group Tour from Christchurch
What a great day! We had guide Sally all to ourselves and boy did she know her stuff! We saw and learned all sorts of details we would never have found on our own. Thank you for a great day out!
Review by Bettyann T, July 2011
Doing what: Arthur's Pass National Park with TranzAlpine Train Small Group Tour from Christchurch
The trip was superb. The tour in the van was better than the train.
Review by Lynette K, May 2011
Doing what: Arthur's Pass National Park with TranzAlpine Train Small Group Tour from Christchurch
A great day out the train trip was great and the Guided tour through Arthurs Pass was fantastic. The tour guide was excellent.
Practical Info
Arthur's Pass National Park is on New Zealand's South Island, two hours northwest of Christchurch.
The town of Arthur's Pass is on the main bus route between Christchurch and Greymouth; the scenic TranzAlpine train also comes through here daily. If you’re driving from Christchurch, take Highway 73.
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