Activities in Arthur's Pass National Park
Walks
There's something for every walker in Arthur's Pass - from short 30 minute strolls through beech forest suitable for families, to a strenuous climb to the summit of a mountain with panoramic views for those with experience seeking a challenge.
Short walks on Arthur's Pass walking tracks range from a 10 minute waterfall walk, to a 1.5 hour forest walk.
Half-day walks in Arthur's Pass National Park take about 3 - 4 hours return, exploring alpine valleys or basins.
Day walks in Arthur's Pass National Park offer moderate or demanding climbs to the bushline and beyond.
These family-friendly short walks in Arthur's Pass National Park are all suitable for people of all ages and abilities, including young children, and can be accessed by mountain-buggies.
Overnight tracks and routes
A network of tracks and routes lead into remote valleys and over high alpine passes. In summer these are suitable for groups of average fitness and experience. The two-day Mingha/ Deception Track over Goat Pass is a classic east-west traverse, but involves lots of river crossings so is very weather-dependent.
Route guides have been written for the most popular trips:
Mountaineering
The mountain ranges of Arthur’s Pass National Park have been a climbing mecca since 1891. Mt Rolleston (2275 m) near the summit of Arthur’s Pass is a popular climb for novice mountaineers to cut their crampons on.
Mountain biking
The Mt White Road traverses tussock flats bordering the grand Waimakariri River, with wide sweeping views up the valley and around 25 km of unsealed road. Allow about 2 hours from Mt White Bridge to Poulter River, one way.
Mountain biking is permitted only on formed roads within national parks.
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A three-year trial has opened up the Poulter valley to mountain biking.