Devil's Punchbowl Walking Track

Out and back

Highlights & Must-See Features

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.

• The Viewing Platform: The track ends at a perfectly positioned wooden platform. This is the ultimate photo spot. On a sunny day, you might see rainbows dancing in the mist. On a rainy day, the falls turn into a raging, powerful torrent that illustrates the raw power of nature.
• The "Mist" Experience: If you stand on the platform long enough, you will feel the gentle spray of the falls on your face. It’s incredibly refreshing after the uphill climb.
• The Twin Bridges: The bridges at the start of the walk provide excellent vantage points for the Bealey River and the lower creek. They are fantastic spots for long-exposure photography if you’ve brought a tripod.
• Lush Beech Forest: The forest itself is a highlight. The silver beech trees are draped in lichens and moss, creating a "Fairytale" atmosphere that feels worlds away from the city.

Getting There

Accessing the trail is straightforward, making it a popular choice for road-trippers.

• By Car: Drive to Arthur’s Pass Village on State Highway 73. At the northern end of the village (the side closest to the West Coast), look for the signs for the Punchbowl car park. It is clearly marked and located just off the main highway.
• Parking: The car park is spacious, but because this is one of the most popular walks in the park, it can fill up quickly during the peak summer months and on weekends.
• Walking from the Village: if you are staying in the village, you don’t even need to drive. You can easily walk from any of the local accommodation providers to the trailhead in about 10–15 minutes.

Wildlife Spotting

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:

• Kea: The world’s only alpine parrot. These highly intelligent (and often mischievous) green birds are common in the car park and near the bridges. They are inquisitive and may land nearby to "inspect" your gear. Please remember: never feed the kea. It is harmful to their health and encourages problematic behaviour.
• Fantail (Piwakawaka): These friendly little birds will often follow you along the track, flitting between branches to catch the insects you stir up as you walk.
• Tomtit (Ngirungiru): Look for the small, cute birds with dark heads and white breasts (males) or greyish tones (females) darting through the beech trees.
• Great Spotted Kiwi (Roroa): While you are highly unlikely to see one during the day, this area is a stronghold for the Roroa. If you are staying overnight in the village, listen for their shrill whistles echoing through the valley after dark.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Devil’s Punchbowl Walking Track is a year-round destination, with each season offering a unique perspective:

• Spring & Summer: The forest is at its most vibrant green, and the mountain air is cool and refreshing. This is the best time for families with children to tackle the stairs.
• Autumn: The light in the mountains during autumn is golden and soft, making for incredible photography.
• Winter: This is perhaps the most dramatic time to visit. The surrounding peaks are capped with snow, and the waterfall can be framed by icicles and frost. However, the steps can become slippery if there is ice, so tread carefully.
• Time of Day: Aim to start your walk in the mid-morning. The sun hits the falls beautifully at this time, and you’ll beat the afternoon crowds that often stop by on their way across the pass.

• Sturdy Footwear: While you don't need heavy hiking boots, sneakers with good grip are recommended for the wooden steps, which can be slippery when wet.
• Rain Jacket: Arthur's Pass is famous for its high rainfall. Even if it’s sunny when you start, a "nor'west" rain front can blow in very quickly.
• Water & Snacks: It's only an hour-long walk, but the climb is steep enough that you'll appreciate having a water bottle at the top.
• Kid-Friendly Note: This walk is kid-friendly, but be prepared for "little legs" to need a few breaks on the way up. The total distance is short, but the 150m gain is all in the stairs!
• No Dogs: To protect the native wildlife (especially the ground-dwelling Kiwi), dogs are not permitted in the National Park.

Local & Regional Context

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.

After the Walk

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:

• Arthur’s Pass Café & Store: You cannot visit the pass without trying one of their iconic Kiwi pies. They are famous for their generous fillings and flaky pastry. It’s a great spot to grab a coffee, a big ice cream for the kids, or even some basic groceries if you’re camping. They also have free WiFi and petrol if you're low.
• Alpine Parrot Cafe & Bar: If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, head here. It’s a vibrant, modern spot with a great atmosphere. Their Mexican-inspired dishes (like burritos and nachos) are a hiker's favourite for refuelling. They also have an excellent selection of craft beers—perfect for a post-hike toast to the mountains.

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.

Alpine Parrot Cafe & Bar

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.