Arthur’s Pass is a paradise for hikers, offering everything from lush beech forests to dramatic alpine landscapes. It’s a seriously stunning part of New Zealand and not just for expert hikers. The hikes in Arthur’s Pass have various trail lengths and track difficulties giving an option for everyone.
While there are many gnarly hikes in Arthurs Pass that do require more experience and climbing skills (I’ve included a few at the end) I’ve put together a list of day hikes that are mostly suited to those who want a challenge without needing technical mountaineering skills. These hikes offer stunning views, alpine landscapes, and a taste of what makes Arthur’s Pass National Park such an incredible place to explore.
Please note, return distance and times are approximate.
Preparing for a hike in Arthur’s Pass
It is really important to emphasize that Arthurs Pass National Park is in an alpine environment meaning the weather can change very quickly at any time in any season. Strong winds, and sudden snowfalls, especially in winter are all things to be prepared for. Always check the forecast, carry the right and extra gear even in the summertime, take a PLB and know your limits before heading out.
Temple Basin
490 m gain | 4.2 km return | 2.5-3 hour return (to the first ski lodges)
If you’re after a shorter but rewarding climb, Temple Basin is a great choice and one of my fav hikes in Arthur’s Pass. The views in the basin over to Mt Rolleston and the surrounding mountains are stunning. The track zigzags up the mountainside, passing small waterfalls in the distance and alpine flora. The track is very rocky going up with steps placed throughout and takes you to the Temple Basin ski field lodges. Although you gain a lot of elevation quickly, I always find I’m up at the top quicker than I think.
Once you get to the lodges you do have the option of going to the basin out back and to Page Memorial Shelter. I highly recommend exploring this area if you are confident. There is a short steep rocky track to get up alongside the mountain onwards to the basin. Once you’re up to that track, it’s relatively flat and overall is about a 30 minute detour one way.
Otira Valley
200 m gain | 3.4 km return | 1.5-2 hour return (to the Otira footbridge)
Otira Valley track is another shorter relatively easy hike in Arthur’s Pass with a big alpine feel. The track follows the valley floor over rocky terrain, crossing rivers (bridge access) and offering stunning views of Mt. Rolleston. It’s a great option if you want to experience the rugged side of Arthur’s Pass without a huge climb.
The beginning of the track moves through tussocks leading to the Otira footbridge. It’s an undulating track with nothing too difficult to navigate. From the footbridge, the track is unmarked and involves crossing large rocky screes and climbing over and around large boulders as it follows close to the river. This part of the track requires backcountry experience and you will need to be confident navigating rocky uneven, avalanche terrain.
This hike is best suited to the summer months or early autumn before the snowfall. Because it is situated in a deep alpine valley right under Mt Rolleston, the risk for avalanches is extremely high. If you are not as experienced of a hiker, I don’t suggest going past the footbridge.
Woolshed Hill
900 m gain | 8 km return | 4-4.5 hour return
The Woolshed Hill track is an awesome hike in Arthur’s Pass offering incredible views without the crowds. The trail starts off with an easy 10-minute walk through the forest arriving at Kidson Lodge (a private outdoor education lodge). From there the real climbing starts. It’s a solid workout through the steep beech forest before getting up to the ridge but well worth the effort.
Once on the ridge, it’s still uphill from there but more of a gradual climb. Most of the track is over a scree slope with a few rocky outcrops to navigate around and you’ll pass by a few tarns (or lack of depending on the seasonal rainfall). The ridgeline up to the top of the hill looks scary and long from afar but in reality it’s not super narrow or as bad as it looks.
Although not an easy track, it is worth every step seeing the 360 panoramic views at the top. From the Waimakariri Valley, Hawdon Valley and surrounding peaks the views are next level!
Bealey Spur
584 m gain | 11.2 km return | 4-4.5 hour return
The Bealey Spur track isn’t technically right in Arthurs Pass, but it is pretty close and one of the top day hikes in the area. This is a great beginner track as it gradually climbs through the forest with no real technical sections to navigate. The track starts in beech forest and follows a rooted sometimes muddy track before opening up to tussock-covered ridges with tarns in site and pano views of the Waimakariri River and into Arthurs Pass.
From the Bealey Spur hut, there is an option to go up to the spur or what people call Point 1545. As this has become more popular, there are tracks heading up to the spur but it can be hard to lose sight as the track gets rockier and it is unmarked. This is a great side trip if and only if the weather is good and it is not covered in snow. You can read more about the Bealey Spur track here!
Carroll Hut
750 m gain | 5.1 km return | 4-4.5 hour return
The hike to Carroll Hut, located on the southern side of the Kelly Range in Arthur’s Pass National Park is a rewarding option for a day walk, an overnight stay, or a base for further exploring the surrounding alpine tops. Although it is short in distance to get to the hut, it is a steep tough climb gaining elevation from the trailhead very quickly. This is not a beginner hike and should be attempted by more experienced hikers.
From the start take the furthest left track. You’ll quickly come to a small stream to cross. Generally, this is low enough to cross but after a heavy rainfall it can become impassable so take care and if in doubt, don’t cross. The track is rooted, rocky and your typical New Zealand track scramble. The track gets easier as you come closer to the bush line and getting to the hut. From the hut you can explore over the Kelly Range including a few tarns.
*Just a heads-up—I haven’t hiked this track yet, but it’s high on my list! The details in this post are based on information from the DOC website and other reliable sources. I’ll be sure to update it with personal insights once I’ve tackled it myself.
Avalanche Peak
1100 meter gain | 8.7 km return | 8-9 hours return
Avalanche Peak is a next-level hike in Arthurs Pass. The views are incredible but unfortunately has a wrap for being quite dangerous. This track is for experienced hikers only and you must be well equipped to tackle this demanding climb.
For a loop kind of track, it is recommended to start on the Avalanche Peak track by the visitor center and descend on Scotts Track Route. The beginning of the track isn’t overly technical but it is steep and sets you up for what to expect on the rest of the track. The track is marked the entire way up but once you are out of the bush line, the markers are there as a guideline of where to go on an unmaintained track. If you are looking for a slightly ‘easier’ out and back start on the Scotts Track.
Once on the descent down follow the orange markers to get onto the Scotts track. Only attempt this hike in good weather and if in doubt turn around the way you came. Read more about this route here.
*Just a heads-up—I haven’t hiked this track yet. After reading the casualties and near misses, I think it’s still on the list! The details in this post are based on information from the DOC website and other reliable sources. I’ll be sure to update it with personal insights once I’ve tackled it myself.
I hope you enjoyed reading about these hikes in Arthur’s Pass! Which of these hikes would you tackle first?
