Loading...
Arthur's Pass National Park
2 km
1 hour
150 metres
If you find yourself traversing the rugged, spectacular spine of the South Island via State Highway 73, there is one stop that is absolutely non-negotiable. Nestled deep within the heart of Arthur’s Pass National Park, the Devil’s Punchbowl Walking Track is perhaps the most iconic short walk in the region. It’s a captivating adventure that packs a massive punch for its relatively short distance, leading you through lush native forest to the base of the thundering 131-metre Devil’s Punchbowl Falls.
Whether you are a local looking for a weekend mountain fix or a tourist journeying between Christchurch and the West Coast, this trail offers a quintessential New Zealand alpine experience. It is short, sharp, and incredibly rewarding.
The journey begins at the well-signposted Punchbowl car park, located at the northern end of Arthur’s Pass village. From the moment you step out of your car, the crisp mountain air and the distant sound of rushing water set the scene. The trail is an out and back type, meaning you’ll return the same way you came, giving you two chances to soak in the scenery.
The initial section of the walk is a gentle introduction. You’ll first cross a sturdy footbridge spanning the Bealey River. This is a great spot to pause and look up the valley; the scale of the surrounding peaks is a humbling reminder of the Southern Alps' grandeur. Shortly after, a second bridge takes you over the Devil’s Punchbowl Creek. If you look upstream from here, you’ll get your first "teaser" view of the waterfall framed by the forest.
Once you’ve crossed the bridges, the real work begins. The track winds its way through an enchanting, mossy beech forest. The ground is often damp, and the air carries that wonderful, earthy scent of native New Zealand bush. The path soon transitions into a series of well-constructed wooden steps. This is where the moderate difficulty rating comes into play. You will be gaining approximately 150 metres in elevation over a short distance.
While the climb will certainly get your heart rate up, the track is high-quality and very easy to follow. There are plenty of spots to pull over, catch your breath, and listen to the birdsong. As you ascend, the roar of the falls grows louder, acting as a natural siren song drawing you toward the finish line. Before you know it, the forest opens up, and you are standing face-to-face with one of the most impressive vertical drops in the country.
Parking is available at the Punchbowl car park, located at the northern end of Arthur's Pass village, just off State Highway 73. The car park is signposted from the highway.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Nestor notabilis
Intelligent alpine parrot endemic to the South Island. Known for curiosity and problem-solving abilities.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
500m away
An iconic Kiwi cafe known for its great pies, savouries, home-baked treats, and generous ice creams. It also offers cooked breakfasts, lunches, craft beers, NZ wines, free WiFi, petrol, and basic groceries, making it a convenient stop for travellers.
Be the first to share a photo of this trail
Recent reports from hikers
No condition reports yet.
Be the first to report the current conditions!
See what other hikers are saying
--
No reviews yet
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Out and back
The undisputed star of the show is, of course, the Devil’s Punchbowl Falls. At 131 metres high, the sheer scale of the water plunging down the rock face into the "punchbowl" below is mesmerising.
Accessing the trail is straightforward, making it a popular choice for road-trippers.
Arthur’s Pass is a haven for native birdlife, and the Devil’s Punchbowl track is no exception. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open for these local residents:
The Devil’s Punchbowl Walking Track is a year-round destination, with each season offering a unique perspective:
Arthur’s Pass National Park was established in 1929, making it the first national park in the South Island. The area is a significant mahinga kai (food gathering) area for Ngāi Tahu, who traversed the pass (known as Taramakau) to trade pounamu (greenstone).
The geology here is equally fascinating. You are standing near the Main Divide, where the Australian and Pacific tectonic plates collide. This creates the steep, rugged terrain that makes the waterfall so dramatic. The "Devil's Punchbowl" name itself is a classic piece of colonial naming, referring to the way the water swirls in the pool at the bottom, resembling a giant bowl.
The village of Arthur’s Pass is a resilient little mountain community, often braving heavy snow and isolation during winter storms. Walking this track gives you a small taste of the wild, untamed wilderness that defines the Southern Alps.
Once you’ve made your way back down the steps and across the bridges, you’ll likely have worked up an appetite. Luckily, the village is just half a kilometre away and home to two legendary stops:
The Devil's Punchbowl is more than just a waterfall; it's a sensory experience that captures the spirit of the New Zealand wilderness. Don't just drive past—pull over, stretch your legs, and let the mountains work their magic on you.
Best time: Year-round
Apteryx haastii
New Zealand's largest kiwi species, the roroa is nocturnal and, while rarely seen, its distinctive call can sometimes be heard during twilight walks in the Bealey Valley.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Acanthisitta chloris
The tītitiponamu is New Zealand's smallest native bird, often seen flitting quickly up tree trunks and branches.
Best time: Year-round
500m away
A vibrant and modern cafe and bar offering breakfast, an all-day lunch/dinner menu with mixed food options including Mexican dishes like burritos and nachos. Known for excellent coffee and a craft beer selection.