Search hotels in Arthur's Pass

Gorgeous alpine area with lovely day walks. The township area is very small but good as a place to do a few walks. We did the 13km, 6 hrs Bealey Spur walk about 13km drive from the township. We stopped at the hut and had a picnic on the lawn area under some trees) Incredible views over the snow capped mountains and valley with every type of vegetation along the way. Tiring but rewarding!! Lots of washed out tracks meant you needed to negotiate stones and a bit of wet areas . Rated as Medium , leave 5 hrs if you want to really enjoy the views and have a rest and lunch at the top. We are fit middle aged walkers- add an extra 1.5 hrs to go to the very top of the spur. One track in and out so you can’t get lost. Lots of shady areas and breezes.

This road trip was the most picturesque and unique of our 3 trips to new Zealand. The views of the snow capped mountains beside lakes and rivers, along with sheep and cattle grazing in green paddocks, along with pine forests made this a drive to remember. Vastle Hill/Kura Tawhiti Conservation area is worth a visit to walk around the limestone rock formations. The town itself is small but interesting. The walk to Devils Punchbowl is a must with the most stunning waterfall we have seen anywhere. The 800 or so steps are easily manageable unless you have bad hips or knees

It's a while since I had last stayed in the village which was magical in the winter sun. I loved exploring all the historic sites as well as places I was familiar with from my childhood. I walked the length of the village and then followed the Arthur's Pass Track to Jack's Hut and then into the Bealey Valley. There are plenty of walking tracks to choose from depending on how long you want to walk. There were fewer birds in the bush than I would have liked. The cafes were good and I could have joined a church service as well!

Spend at least 2 days there. We spent one night but could have spent 4-6 days based on the number of short hikes to be done there. Visit the NP office first to help decide what to do with your time. Very scenic and the tiny village has 2 cafes and a small store. Bring your own foods and supplies.

You can’t come to NZ and not drive over this pass it’s simply stunning there are lots of hikes and places to walk or drive. It’s a must see and Crazy Moas at the Bealey hotel had to be the most scenic place you have ever eaten dinner.

Arthur's Pass is a 'shadow' of its former self. I first visited in the 1970's and for several decades since it has been a vibrant and busy alpine village boasting several cafe's, restaurants, and accommodation choices - plus a large and informative DoC Centre. Not any more. Very little accommodation choice in the village, and just one cafe open only during the day so you must bring your own food & supplies if wanting an evening meal. And the original DoC centre is closed and moved over the road into a container! All a little sad really, although the surrounding mountain views are definitely compensatory! So fine if planning to use AP as a base for day walks & multi-day tramping expeditions, Otherwise it is hard to justify a stay there other than as an overnight transit stop. As we were. But remember to bring food & supplies for dinner!