Arthur's Pass National Park has numerous hiking tracks. They cross all over the park, giving access to some of the most remote areas in New Zealand. The Department of Conservation has strategically placed huts along the tracks. Most huts have water and log burners and are very comfortable (especially after a day of walking).
The information centre has maps and the latest weather and track info. Don't forget to fill in an intentions card. See "Hiking Information" on this site for some very important advice while hiking in Arthur's Pass.
For safety and to get the most from your hiking experience I would recommend a guided walk from a local guide... www.homeinthehills.co.nz.
Below are just a few hiking tracks near Arthur's Pass Village.
Devils Punchbowl Falls: - From the top end of the village. Allow up to 1 hour. This is a short sharp walk up stairs. Ending at a platform, overlooking a waterfall.
Bridal Veil Track: - 1.5 hours walk beginning from the north end of the village. A well marked track. You can get a booklet about the walk from the Visitor Centre. This is a less steep track, that follows the Bealey River and comes out 2km North of the village. A good one to link up with the Bealey Valley Walk 500 metres up the road.
Arthur Dobson Memorial and Nature Walk: - The memorial is 5km north of the village. 1 hour return from the Memorial. This is described as an easy walk and it has a fine reputation. You can get a booklet about the walk from the Visitor Centre.
Bealey Valley Walk: - 2 hours return. Start 2.5km north of Arthur's Pass Village (opposite Jacks Hut). A great walk with lots of variation. If you walk all the way up the river it ends in a lovely ice cave, carved out by the river.
Temple Basin Walk: - 2-3 hours. Start from the carpark at the Temple Basin Skifield Road, on the east side of the road 3km north of Arthur's Pass Village. (4km from the DOC Centre)
Avalanche Peak: - 6+ hours return. Start 0.7km north of the Arthur's Pass Village. - Described as "steep" with Scotts Track, starting 700m north of the village, being the easier of two possible routes. Climbs to 1833 metres and providing excellent views. For slightly fitter hikers. Best in the summer months.
Mt Bealey Track: - 6 hours return. Start 0.3km south of the Arthur's Pass Village. Described as "quite steep". Another stunning mountain hike. Offers a great view of the village and surrounding mountains.
For more information on mountaineering including Mt Rolleston see the Visitors Centre. Or if it's rock climbing you're after the environment of Arthur's Pass creates some of the most challenging, and possibly rewarding ascents to be found in the Park. Of the four primary areas that lend themselves to this activity, each can be combined with the thrill of mountaineering and actually ending the day standing on a peak, Mts Rolleston, Murchison, Temple, Phipps, Philistine, Speight or Harper).
