Things to do in Arthur's Pass
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Top 10 attractions in Arthur's Pass
Arthur's Pass National Park
Arthur's Pass National Park is located between the ancient roads east to west of Canterbury to the West Bank. It is the third national park in New Zealand. The main landscape features are steep and steep slopes, as well as a network of rivers and steep canyons. There are many accommodation options in the area around the national park, from lodges to backpacker lodges. There are also thirty cottages and simple camping sites in the park. The visitor center of Arthur's Pass is the starting point of the hiking trail. There are many climbing routes here, and the scenery along the way is very beautiful.Arthur's Pass · 13.1 km from downtown
Temple Basin Ski Area
Temple Basin Ski Area is tucked away on the Main Divide of the Southern Alps in Arthur's Pass National Park. One major difference between this and a typical ski resort is that you cannot drive to the top. You have to park your car in the parking lot off State Highway 73, send your gear up via the "goods lift," and then hike up for 40–50 minutes. It might sound like a bit of a hassle, but the scenery of canyons, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains along the way makes the effort worthwhile. Once you reach the top, you will find it is all worth it—staying in a ski-in/ski-out lodge, where you can open the window to see rolling mountain peaks. The resort has several rope tows, with terrain covering everything from beginner areas to extreme off-piste. The approx. 320 hectares of natural runs are never groomed, making it a paradise for off-piste and freestyle skiers. There are no chairlifts or commercial vibes here, just pure wilderness, a warm club atmosphere, and like-minded people. For adventurous skiers, Temple Basin Ski Area is not just an ordinary ski resort, but more like a true mountain adventure.Turiwhate · 4.2 km from Arthur's Pass
Devils Punchbowl Waterfall
Arthur's Pass · 1.4 km from downtown
Otira Viaduct Lookout
Otira · 6.5 km from Arthur's Pass
Whale Watch Kaikoura
Get up close and personal with the world's largest toothed predator - the giant sperm whale - for a thrilling experience. If you're lucky, you'll have the chance to see rare dusky dolphins, Hector's dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and other animals during the voyage. Visitors will take a professional Cruise deep into the Pacific Ocean to get up close and personal with large marine mammals such as humpback whales and killer whales, and experience the grandeur and mystery of marine life. The Cruise is equipped with professional Guide to provide visitors with detailed introductions to the habits and ecological environment of marine life, and enhance their awareness of marine protection. In addition, the Cruise also provides a comfortable viewing platform and rest area to ensure that every visitor can enjoy an unforgettable sea trip.New Zealand · Kaikoura
Castle Hill, New Zealand
Castle Hill, New Zealand is located along the road from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass and the West Coast, and is an alpine meadow surrounded by the Torlesse Range and the Craigieburn Range. Thousands of limestone boulders are scattered across the meadow. Sculpted over years by wind, frost, and rain, they have rounded contours and are riddled with holes, looking from a distance like the ruins of an ancient stone city. It was once a route for Māori traveling between the east and west coasts and holds special significance for local Māori tribes, while various rare alpine plants grow among the rock faces and the meadow. This boulder field is famous in the climbing community, where the pockets and holds on the rock faces create many unique bouldering routes, making it one of the iconic sites for rock climbing in New Zealand.Castle Hill · 32.7 km from Arthur's Pass
Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences
Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences take you soaring over Mount Cook National Park, offering breathtaking aerial views of vast glaciers and snowfields. Feel the majestic embrace of towering mountains from high above as your helicopter navigates through narrow ridges before landing on alpine terrain, where you'll marvel at the park's spectacular scenery. During this unforgettable journey, you'll witness natural wonders like the Tasman Glacier and Hooker Valley from above, experiencing the awe-inspiring beauty of glacial landscapes and snow-capped peaks. Under the guidance of professional pilots, you'll enjoy low-altitude flights for close-up observations of glacial crevasses and ice caves while learning about glacial formation processes. More than just a visual feast, Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences offer a profound spiritual awakening amidst nature's grandeur.New Zealand · Glentanner
Otira Gorge Rock Shelter Lookout
Otira · 7.3 km from Arthur's Pass
International Antarctic Centre
The International Antarctic Centre is an important gateway to understanding Antarctica, located near Christchurch International Airport. Here, you can learn about various aspects of the Antarctic Circle, including its history and geology, through sound, light, and electrical displays. 1. The architecture of the International Antarctic Centre draws inspiration from unique Antarctic landscapes such as icebergs and glaciers, with interiors designed to reflect the climate and icy conditions of Antarctica. Upon entering, visitors first encounter displays of outdoor conditions at Antarctic bases and real-time photos and data transmitted from Scott Base. 2. The Antarctic storm chamber features real snow and low-temperature fans, allowing you to experience the sub-zero cold of Antarctica firsthand, complete with simulated blizzard winds. Visitors must change into warm clothing and shoes before entering. 3. Penguin feeding show in the penguin introduction area further along is the penguin introduction area, where you can also watch feeding shows. Here, you'll see the world's smallest little blue penguins, which are incredibly adorable. If you're particularly interested in these blue penguins, you can join the penguin encounter tour to explore backstage facilities, learn about penguin quarantine zones, their daily routines, and dietary habits, and even get up close with them.Christchurch · 99.8 km from Arthur's Pass
Real Guns New Zealand
Real Guns New Zealand is a shooting experience venue located in Cardrona, Otago, New Zealand. The environment here combines New Zealand's unique natural scenery with professional shooting facilities, providing visitors with a unique experience opportunity. The venue is surrounded by magnificent mountains and open grasslands, which add to the fun and challenge of shooting activities. Real Guns New Zealand offers a variety of shooting programs suitable for visitors of different interests and experience levels. Accompanied by professional instructors, visitors can safely experience the fun of shooting. The venue is fully equipped to ensure the safety and comfort of the activities. Whether it is a beginner or an experienced shooting enthusiast, it can provide an unforgettable experience. Real Guns New Zealand is not only a shooting venue, but also a good place to experience New Zealand's natural beauty and outdoor activities.New Zealand · Cardrona
Experiences you can't miss in Arthur's Pass
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More things to do
Private Tours in Arthur's Pass
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Free things to do in Arthur's Pass
Arthur's Pass National Park
Arthur's Pass · 13.1 km from downtownCastle Hill, New Zealand
Castle Hill · 32.7 km from Arthur's Pass
Arthur's Pass Walking Track
Arthur's Pass · 1.4 km from downtown
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
New Zealand · Gammack
Cardboard Cathedral
New Zealand · Christchurch
Lake Tekapo
New Zealand · Tekapo
Mount John
New Zealand · Tekapo
Wānaka
New Zealand · Wanaka
Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway
New Zealand · Kaikoura
Lake Pukaki
New Zealand · Ben Ohau
What travelers say about Arthur's Pass
旅の径September 3, 2020
4.0
Located on the main road between Christchurch on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island and Greymouth on the west coast, it attracts many tourists.
The snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, clear lakes, magnificent glaciers, and especially the diverse hiking trails and meticulous travel services have won the favor of many climbers.
For most tourists who travel around the South Island, if they start from Christchurch, they can take Arthur's Pass as the first stop and appetizer; if they take Christchurch as the end point, they must be visually fatigued when they see Arthur's Pass.
Arthur's Pass National Park
111***97October 24, 2026
4.0
I took seasickness medication beforehand. The sea wasn't too windy that day, but there were still some swells, and I felt a little seasick when the boat first set off at a low speed. The boat was very clean, and the crew was very attentive to service. We didn't see many whales that day, and the ones we did see weren't very big; I only caught a glimpse of a whale's tail once. Overall, it was a good experience. The only downside was that it's about a 2.5-hour drive from Christchurch, but thankfully, the journey passes through vineyards, and there are a few wineries worth visiting.
Whale Watch Kaikoura
acyeverydayMarch 13, 2026
5.0
Majestic Middle Earth! Only 1.5 hours from Christchurch you need to visit Castle Hill! Natural limestone rock formations located in the Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area. Being surrounded by greenery and various rocks is an amazing sight. Hike and explore this land and waterways which holds significant importance to Ngāi Tahu 🏞On route you should also stop at the famous Sheffield Pies. A New Zealand pie is a classic for us kiwis!
Castle Hill, New Zealand
_TT***56October 22, 2026
5.0
A very unique experience during visit Mt Cook. Pilot will bring us fly over Tasman lake so that we can have an amazing view. After that we will have a short landing on top and have a photo shoot. Check in super easy, just show the booking and all done in 5 min.
Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences
M23***52October 15, 2026
5.0
It's suitable for a half-day trip; if you have enough time, it's quite nice to experience the various activities. Our flight was in the afternoon, so we spent the morning sightseeing, had lunch at the cafe, and then checked in at the airport.
International Antarctic Centre
135***82July 6, 2024
5.0
There are many types of guns, and the shooting is in the ranch area. There are many types of targets, and if you don't understand the instructions at all, you may be refused to play. I experienced playing Frisbee with rifles and shotguns. The experience of playing Frisbee is very novel, and I have never played with a shotgun. I scored 8 out of 10, and the coach praised me as a genius.
Real Guns New Zealand
