Arthur’s Pass Walking Track
Located in Arthur's Pass National Park in the Canterbury region
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Introduction
Experience the best of Arthur’s Pass's diverse alpine vegetation, waterfalls, wetlands, rich history and stunning mountain views on this walk.6.8 km return via same track
Dog access
Image gallery
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Hanging out with a kea along the Dobson Nature Walk Image: Jon Sullivan | Creative Commons
![Kea on Dobson Nature Walk.]( "Kea on Dobson Nature Walk.")
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Bridal Veil Falls Image: Tony Fernandez | Creative Commons
![Bridal Veil Falls.]( "Bridal Veil Falls.")
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Bridal Veil Track, Arthur’s Pass Image: Oli Studholme | Creative Commons
![Bridal Veil track, Arthur’s Pass.]( "Bridal Veil track, Arthur’s Pass.")
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Mount Cook lily on the Dobson Nature Walk Image: Jon Sullivan | Creative Commons
![Mount Cook lily on Dobson Nature Walk.]( "Mount Cook lily on Dobson Nature Walk.")
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Donatia in flower at the Dobson bog Image: Jon Sullivan | Creative Commons
![Donatia in flower on the Dobson Nature Walk.]( "Donatia in flower on the Dobson Nature Walk.")
This walk provides the chance to walk from Arthur’s Pass village to view the Dobson Memorial at Arthur’s Pass summit.
The track gradient is generally gentle, with some steep steps either side of Bridal Veil Creek.
Start at the Punchbowl, Bealey Chasm (Jacks Hut) or Temple Basin car parks to walk all or part of the track and return the same way.
From Punchbowl car park it’s a 20 minute walk to the Bridal Veil Falls lookout through subalpine mountain beech forest and Dracophyllum to a small clearing with a picnic table, good views of the falls, surrounding peaks and Arthur’s Pass village. Note the intense red leaves of the Dr Seuss-like Dracophyllum in spring/summer.
After crossing Bridal Veil Creek, the track travels through alpine shrublands and wetlands before reaching Jacks Hut – a restored roadman’s cottage.
At Jacks Hut cross SH73 to Bealey Chasm car park and follow the track through old-growth mountain beech – a good place for bird watching.
At the intersection with the Dobson Nature Walk turn right to cross the road again to the Temple Basin car park or turn left to follow the Dobson Nature Walk to the Arthur’s Pass lookout on the summit of the Pass.
From here look across the road at the Dobson Memorial – commemorating Arthur Dudley Dobson, the surveyor who gave the modern name to Arthur’s Pass. This is the highest point on the road before it drops to the West Coast.
Return on the same track. The main highway is unsafe to walk on and should not be used.
Be safe and beware - this is mountain country
- Take warm clothing and raincoat, sunhat and sunscreen, something to eat and drink and strong footwear.
- Mountain weather can change quickly. Check the Arthurs Pass National Park weather forecast - NIWA website.
- Walking on tracks and routes above the bushline (the upper edge of the forest) is recommended only in good weather conditions.
Contacts
| Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre | |
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| Phone | +64 3 318 9211 |
| arthurspassvc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | 104 West Coast Road Arthur's Pass 7654 |
| Hours | Visitor centre hours and services |