Devils Punchbowl Falls, Arthur's Pass

From the car park at the north end of Arthur's Pass village, follow the gravel track north, over the unbridged Wardens Creek, to the bridge across the Bealey River. On the far side turn right past the picnic clearing to a second bridge over Devils Punchbowl Creek, then climb the steep track, with more than 400 steps, through mountain beech to the viewing platform near the foot of the falls. The water drops about 131 m out of a hanging valley left high above the Bealey by ice-age glaciers. Return the same way.

It is 1.9 km there and back with 109 m of ascent; allow about an hour. The grade is Easy: short but steep, with many steps.

The track turns icy in winter, and snow can close SH73 over Arthur's Pass: check DOC and NZTA before driving. Do not cross Wardens Creek if it is fast or muddy. Near the top the edges are narrow and exposed, so keep children close. The informal path above the platform is a rockfall danger and not part of this walk. Take valuables with you: cars here have been broken into.

Parking is free. The TranzAlpine train stops at Arthur's Pass station in the village, and buses between Christchurch and the West Coast pass through.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.