Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre
Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre
Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre
4.5
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4.5
218 reviews
Excellent
127
Very good
72
Average
16
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2
Terrible
1
michael costello
Sydney, Australia54 contributions
Jan 2020
The long drive (constant summer roadworks don't help) from Christchurch to FJ Glacier really needs a good break in the middle. The informative visitor centre delivers and the cafes, souvenir shops, tiny chapel, and more makes for an enjoyable hour or so ... especially if a Kea (alpine parrot) is nearby. Take an hour or so to fully refresh for the west coast drive ahead
Written 30 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deanosaur89
Edmonton, Canada8,617 contributions
July 2023 • Couples
The information centre has some very informative displays for the Kea, Kiwi and predators in the area. They also had a nice clean bathroom area. We lucked out and saw some Keas at the Kea Kiosk which was fun to see and provided some good information about the birds. They had a lot of stamps and my wife has been collecting them lately so she was very pleased. The prices in the gift shop were also quite fair.
The Arthur Pass Information Centre is about halfway through the Arthur Pass and if you ever get the chance this is one of the best drives in the world. Very scenic and there are quite a few places to get out, sight see and hike. The information centre is located in the Arthur's Path Village and has a few conveniences in the area.
The Arthur Pass Information Centre is about halfway through the Arthur Pass and if you ever get the chance this is one of the best drives in the world. Very scenic and there are quite a few places to get out, sight see and hike. The information centre is located in the Arthur's Path Village and has a few conveniences in the area.
Written 15 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BangkokSachse
Bangkok, Thailand51,443 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We drove from Franz Josef Glacier to Arthur’s Pass. We stayed one night at a hotel in Arthur’s Pass. Then we drove to Christchurch next day. The West Coast Road is amazing on a clear day. The mountains along the road were beautiful.
Written 29 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RobEmbury
Melbourne, Australia20 contributions
May 2015 • Solo
Arthur's Pass National Park is stunning. There is no other word available that comes close. A stop in at the Visitor Centre is a must - the weather can change in a heartbeat in this alpine environment, so if you are looking to go on any lengthy hiking trails then make sure you are prepared.
The friendly folks at the Visitor Centre can give you the latest on the weather and what it is likely to do, spoken from experience, and can also give you updates on any changes to conditions on any of the walking tracks. They have heaps of local information on the terrain, wildlife, and the different walks available.
I walked to the Devil's Punchbowl waterfall, which was fantastic - if it is has been raining or snowing recently, then prepare to get wet on the viewing platform from the spray. The walk is fairly easy but there are quite a few steps - keep an eye out for the local birds such as the New Zealand Tomtit (see picture).
I then followed the Arthur's Pass walk away from the village, and took the Bealey Valley track. Again, a fairly easy walk and you get to see some really beautiful forest as well as a few more smaller waterfalls (like the Bridal Veil falls).
On the Bealey Valley trail you come out of the forest momentarily to some amazing views up towards Mt Rolleston and the village. If there is snow on the peaks, this really is stunning. You also have a nice view of the Bealey Chasm, which is a rocky contraction of the Bealey River where the water thunders through.
A little further on and you will reach the river again, and this is where the main track stops. You have the option of continuing up to the peak but the track is not well marked from there on - so you need to know what you are doing to continue.
At this spot though, you have beautiful cascading waterfalls and a view up to Mt Rolleston again. This is a fantastic spot to sit and have some lunch (if you brought it), and take in the breathtaking views of the falls with the peak above - even more stunning if you have snow on the peaks. I chose to have a beer instead ;)
This is also a really great spot for photographers (like me). If you bring food/drink, please make sure you take any rubbish etc with you. This place is pristine, and I was impressed with how clean it was compared to hikes I have done back home in Australia. Please keep it that way.
All of the walks I did were suitable for families - nothing too steep or challenging. It is important to have the right footwear - hiking boots if possible - if there has been any rain/snow then there is a good chance your shoes will get wet. Again, the weather can change quickly - make sure you have warm and/or waterproof gear with you just in case.
I can't wait to get back and check out more of the tracks - this was a one day visit this time. Arthur's Pass really is like a lost world, and I'm sitting here typing this still in awe of the enormity of the place. Just stunning. If you are coming from Christchurch, the drive is magnificent as well.
If you don't have a car, there are a couple of options from Greymouth or Christchurch. You can take the train or the bus. The train is expensive, but I'm sure it would offer some brilliant views. I took the bus, which was cheap, and still gave me some great scenery - have a chat to your driver and ask if he/she is happy to make a couple of quick photo stops on the way if they are not running late. My driver both ways was fine with this.
If you are in the Christchurch/Greymouth region you'd be crazy not to visit Arthur's Pass, even for a day trip.
The friendly folks at the Visitor Centre can give you the latest on the weather and what it is likely to do, spoken from experience, and can also give you updates on any changes to conditions on any of the walking tracks. They have heaps of local information on the terrain, wildlife, and the different walks available.
I walked to the Devil's Punchbowl waterfall, which was fantastic - if it is has been raining or snowing recently, then prepare to get wet on the viewing platform from the spray. The walk is fairly easy but there are quite a few steps - keep an eye out for the local birds such as the New Zealand Tomtit (see picture).
I then followed the Arthur's Pass walk away from the village, and took the Bealey Valley track. Again, a fairly easy walk and you get to see some really beautiful forest as well as a few more smaller waterfalls (like the Bridal Veil falls).
On the Bealey Valley trail you come out of the forest momentarily to some amazing views up towards Mt Rolleston and the village. If there is snow on the peaks, this really is stunning. You also have a nice view of the Bealey Chasm, which is a rocky contraction of the Bealey River where the water thunders through.
A little further on and you will reach the river again, and this is where the main track stops. You have the option of continuing up to the peak but the track is not well marked from there on - so you need to know what you are doing to continue.
At this spot though, you have beautiful cascading waterfalls and a view up to Mt Rolleston again. This is a fantastic spot to sit and have some lunch (if you brought it), and take in the breathtaking views of the falls with the peak above - even more stunning if you have snow on the peaks. I chose to have a beer instead ;)
This is also a really great spot for photographers (like me). If you bring food/drink, please make sure you take any rubbish etc with you. This place is pristine, and I was impressed with how clean it was compared to hikes I have done back home in Australia. Please keep it that way.
All of the walks I did were suitable for families - nothing too steep or challenging. It is important to have the right footwear - hiking boots if possible - if there has been any rain/snow then there is a good chance your shoes will get wet. Again, the weather can change quickly - make sure you have warm and/or waterproof gear with you just in case.
I can't wait to get back and check out more of the tracks - this was a one day visit this time. Arthur's Pass really is like a lost world, and I'm sitting here typing this still in awe of the enormity of the place. Just stunning. If you are coming from Christchurch, the drive is magnificent as well.
If you don't have a car, there are a couple of options from Greymouth or Christchurch. You can take the train or the bus. The train is expensive, but I'm sure it would offer some brilliant views. I took the bus, which was cheap, and still gave me some great scenery - have a chat to your driver and ask if he/she is happy to make a couple of quick photo stops on the way if they are not running late. My driver both ways was fine with this.
If you are in the Christchurch/Greymouth region you'd be crazy not to visit Arthur's Pass, even for a day trip.
Written 14 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
D M
Perth, Australia72 contributions
Sept 2012 • Family
I am happy to read other reviewers had better experiences here. Perhaps we just fluked a very bad day.
We stopped here on September 19, around 1-2pm, our first stop from Christchurch. My 12yr-old son loves rocks/mountains/Kiwis/Keas pretty much anything nature-related, he was keen to pop in and buy his first souvenirs from this very beautiful part of the world.
We walked in and greeted the 2 young men who stood behind the counter facing us. Both were staring at computer screens. One grunted a hello back, the other ignored us completely. Odd.
We looked around at the topographical displays etc. My son was going to ask the young men a question but they didn't seem keen to acknowledge him; they both continued transfixed at their computer screens.
I looked through the book displays and directed another question their way. Again, stony silence&no eye-contact. What could have been so intriguing on their computer screens we wondered?? My son&I thought perhaps they didn't hear us, but that was extremely unlikely as they were only metres away from us&we were the only other people in the room, actually, the entire building.
After 10 minutes of no service/no interest/very awkward silence we decided to leave. It was embarrassing.
A few hours' drive away we found the bustling Visitor Centre at FJ Glacier township, and the lady behind the counter was extremely friendly&helpful&informative. We spent our tourist dollars there, instead.
A tip to those young men - if you are going to work in the tourism industry you need to actually like the humans!
We stopped here on September 19, around 1-2pm, our first stop from Christchurch. My 12yr-old son loves rocks/mountains/Kiwis/Keas pretty much anything nature-related, he was keen to pop in and buy his first souvenirs from this very beautiful part of the world.
We walked in and greeted the 2 young men who stood behind the counter facing us. Both were staring at computer screens. One grunted a hello back, the other ignored us completely. Odd.
We looked around at the topographical displays etc. My son was going to ask the young men a question but they didn't seem keen to acknowledge him; they both continued transfixed at their computer screens.
I looked through the book displays and directed another question their way. Again, stony silence&no eye-contact. What could have been so intriguing on their computer screens we wondered?? My son&I thought perhaps they didn't hear us, but that was extremely unlikely as they were only metres away from us&we were the only other people in the room, actually, the entire building.
After 10 minutes of no service/no interest/very awkward silence we decided to leave. It was embarrassing.
A few hours' drive away we found the bustling Visitor Centre at FJ Glacier township, and the lady behind the counter was extremely friendly&helpful&informative. We spent our tourist dollars there, instead.
A tip to those young men - if you are going to work in the tourism industry you need to actually like the humans!
Written 15 October 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KiwiSaver
Motueka, New Zealand111 contributions
Aug 2011
Arthur's Pass was gazetted in 1929 as the first National Park in New Zealand's South Island. The Arthur's Pass Visitor's Center on State Hwy73 is home to the National Park office and information site. As well as having an extensive display illustrating and detailing the local flora and fauna, there is a museum section outlining the early travel by Maori, the exploration by European surveyors and the alpine road and rail construction, together with the area's development as a skiing, mountaineering and tramping mecca. An original Cobb & Co., stage coach is also within the premises, these providing the chief means of commercial transport across the nearby 920m Arthur's Pass, from 1866 until the opening of the railway line across the Island in 1923.
The office is open every day to provide assistance to walkers and trampers, mountaineers and skiers, and to the public and tourists. Maps, route guides, hut tickets, books, cards, T shirts etc., are available together with information on the prevailing ground and snow conditions, and weather forecasts, from the helpful counter staff.
Additional information on Arthur's Pass, and the National Park, is available from several excellent non-commercial websites :
www.arthurspass.com - contains a myriad of local information.
www.softrock.co.nz - specialises in mountaineering information.
www.apwt.org.nz - outlines the Arthur's Pass Wildlife Trust's recovery projects.
www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/national-parks/arthurs-pass/ - is the Department of Conservation website.
The office is open every day to provide assistance to walkers and trampers, mountaineers and skiers, and to the public and tourists. Maps, route guides, hut tickets, books, cards, T shirts etc., are available together with information on the prevailing ground and snow conditions, and weather forecasts, from the helpful counter staff.
Additional information on Arthur's Pass, and the National Park, is available from several excellent non-commercial websites :
www.arthurspass.com - contains a myriad of local information.
www.softrock.co.nz - specialises in mountaineering information.
www.apwt.org.nz - outlines the Arthur's Pass Wildlife Trust's recovery projects.
www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/national-parks/arthurs-pass/ - is the Department of Conservation website.
Written 16 August 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
haslinarusdi
Subang Jaya, Malaysia117 contributions
June 2013 • Family
The trip to The Arthus's Pass from Christchurch took about 2 hours to reached the end point of the pass. Before you reach there you can already see the snow capped mountain from far. The view was spectacular and I felt that as if I am in a studio full of large mountain paintings. As you are near to the Pass the mountains become larger and majestically beautiful. You will feel that you are not in the real world! It is really a worth trip and I will definitely come back again.
Written 14 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynn B
California199 contributions
Mar 2020
It was quite a hike for us, we are seniors, but we took it slow and oh my it was so worth the effort. We were there during Covid times so not crowded at all. Beautiful.
Written 10 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
si_79
Bury St. Edmunds, UK117 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Absolutely stunning scenery and drive through this amazing landscape, although very rainy and grey at our particular time it was still a site to behold, we will definetly try to do the pass again. Bridges, epic mountain ranges, windy roads, lookout points for plenty of snaps, this really is a must but drive with care.
Written 9 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zephyr329
Ballarat, Australia87 contributions
Feb 2019 • Solo
It had been nearly 20 years since I had been to New Zealand and I had forgotten how beautiful the country was. Arthur’s pass is stunning and stopping there is a must just to enjoy the scenery and take in the beauty of New Zealand. I hope it never changes and that my children can see it as it is today. Stunning. It just makes you want to come back again and again. I almost filled my phone up with pictures because it was so beautiful. I certainly won’t leave my next visit for so long. Stunning.
Written 26 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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