Arthur's Pass, located in the heart of New Zealand's Southern Alps, is absolutely beautiful. It has fascinating wildlife and historical significance. We recently explored two of its most beautiful hikes: the Arthur's Pass Walking Track and Devil's Punchbowl Falls.
Arthur's Pass Walking Track - This hike meanders through forests and crosses streams with occasional glimpses of the surrounding mountains white with snow. Along the way, we encountered charming suspension bridges and took in large dose of nature's oxygen. Every angle is a postcard shot making this spot an instagramer's dream.
Devil's Punchbowl Falls - This track leads to one of the park's iconic landmarks: the spectacular huge waterfall. The well-maintained trail involves some stair climbing, but the effort is worth it as you're rewarded with the sound and misty spray of the falls. Stay here awhile and take it all in.
The Kea - One of the highlights of Arthur's Pass is encountering the kea, the world's only alpine parrot. These curious and cheeky birds are endemic to New Zealand and are known for their intelligence and mischievous antics. The kea is currently a symbol of conservation efforts in the area, as its population has dwindled due to habitat loss and human impact.
Arthur's Pass, established in 1929, is one of New Zealand's oldest national parks. It played a significant role in early Maori trade routes and later became an essential passage for European settlers traveling between Canterbury and the West Coast.
If you're a walker, hiker or a fresh air chaser, this is for you. read more