Walking on the Wild Side
Snow, avalanches, and over 4,000 millimeters (160 in.) of rain a year have their impact on the walking tracks here. Despite these changing conditions, the area has numerous 2- to 3-day tramps and many shorter walks that bring you up close to thundering waterfalls, wild rivers, dripping beech forests, and a wealth of birdlife.
A lot of them are also tough going and require a degree of skill in personal navigation using maps and compasses. Make sure you're tackling something within the range of your ability, and no matter what the weather is like when you set off, always bring plenty of warm clothing. Pick up the Department of Conservation's two brochures, Walks in Arthur's Pass National Park and Arthur's Pass Village Historic Walk, at the visitor center.
Two short walks worth doing are Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall and Bridal Veil. Each takes 1 to 1 1/2 hours. The historic village walk is a pretty 1 1/2-hour wander that can be accomplished easily if you've stopped off at Arthur's Pass on the return TranzAlpine journey.
