Things to do in Arthur's Pass
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Top 10 attractions in Arthur's Pass
Arthur's Pass National Park
Arthur's Pass National Park is located between the ancient roads east to west of Canterbury to the West Bank. It is the third national park in New Zealand. The main landscape features are steep and steep slopes, as well as a network of rivers and steep canyons. There are many accommodation options in the area around the national park, from lodges to backpacker lodges. There are also thirty cottages and simple camping sites in the park. The visitor center of Arthur's Pass is the starting point of the hiking trail. There are many climbing routes here, and the scenery along the way is very beautiful.Arthur's Pass · 13.1 km from downtown
Whale Watch Kaikoura
Get up close and personal with the world's largest toothed predator - the giant sperm whale - for a thrilling experience. If you're lucky, you'll have the chance to see rare dusky dolphins, Hector's dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and other animals during the voyage. Visitors will take a professional Cruise deep into the Pacific Ocean to get up close and personal with large marine mammals such as humpback whales and killer whales, and experience the grandeur and mystery of marine life. The Cruise is equipped with professional Guide to provide visitors with detailed introductions to the habits and ecological environment of marine life, and enhance their awareness of marine protection. In addition, the Cruise also provides a comfortable viewing platform and rest area to ensure that every visitor can enjoy an unforgettable sea trip.New Zealand · Kaikoura
Castle Hill, New Zealand
Castle Hill, New Zealand is located along the road from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass and the West Coast, and is an alpine meadow surrounded by the Torlesse Range and the Craigieburn Range. Thousands of limestone boulders are scattered across the meadow. Sculpted over years by wind, frost, and rain, they have rounded contours and are riddled with holes, looking from a distance like the ruins of an ancient stone city. It was once a route for Māori traveling between the east and west coasts and holds special significance for local Māori tribes, while various rare alpine plants grow among the rock faces and the meadow. This boulder field is famous in the climbing community, where the pockets and holds on the rock faces create many unique bouldering routes, making it one of the iconic sites for rock climbing in New Zealand.Castle Hill · 32.7 km from Arthur's Pass
Ōamaru Penguins
The Oamaru Blue Penguin Conservation Center is located just minutes from the city center and is a convenient place to see blue penguins living in their natural environment. During peak season, more than 130 pairs of blue penguins homing in the conservation center, and sometimes more than 200 blue penguins arrive overnight. Our staff includes a marine biologist who conducts research into the various behaviours and breeding success of blue penguins. The conservation center provides two kinds of viewing: daytime viewing and dusk viewing. The daytime viewing is mainly to visit the penguin protection center, and to watch the little penguins that have not preyed at sea during the day in the dark room (BlueWing); the evening viewing is divided into ordinary seats and VIP seats. , the VIP seats are closer to the penguins, only about 2-5 meters. Twilight viewing provides Chinese and English commentary services.New Zealand · Oamaru
Punting On The Avon (Antigua Boat Sheds)
The Avon River is a river that runs through the whole city of Christchurch, and along the Avon River, immerse yourself in a peaceful rafting trip. The boatman supports the punt with a long pole designed for small rivers and shallow waters that will take you across the water. The boatman, usually dressed in traditional Edwardian clothing, will explain the history of Christchurch and the sights you will pass by. On the way of rafting, you can also enjoy the weeping willows on both sides of the river, as well as the wild animals that randomly appear in the botanical garden.New Zealand · Christchurch
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Of all of New Zealand's 27 mountains over 3050m, 22 are in Mount Cook National Park. One of the more spectacular is Mount Cook, which is 3,755 meters high. 1. Experience New Zealand's large glacier up close - a third of the Tasman Glacier Mount Cook National Park is covered with snow or ice all year round. Here, you can experience New Zealand's largest glacier, the Tasman Glacier, up close. Take the bus to the beautiful Tasman Valley, and your guide will lead you on a leisurely half-hour hike to the end lake of the Tasman Glacier. Board a boat here to explore this iceberg lake full of small icebergs and ever-changing. Feel the glacier with your hands as the boat makes its way up close to these little icebergs! If you are a photography enthusiast, this trip will be an unforgettable memory of your trip to New Zealand! 2. Aerial view of magnificent natural beauty by helicopter There is another way to enjoy the magnificent view of Mount Cook - take a helicopter view of this amazing natural beauty from the sky. Here are some professionally operated aerial tour companies that will take you off from GlentannerPark at the base of Mount Cook to see Mount Cook from above and explore the heart of Mount Cook National Park. Professional pilots will enthusiastically share their knowledge of the region with you.New Zealand · Gammack
Christchurch Gondola
The Christchurch Aerial Tramway is erected on Mount Cavendish, about 10 kilometers southeast of the city. The cableway spans 862 meters and is very stable and comfortable. From the foothills where the flocks play, it takes about 10 minutes to reach the top of the mountain, which is about 500 meters above sea level. Approaching the crater, take the cable car to the top of the mountain, only 1 km away from the edge of the crater. Port Hills is an extinct volcano with a collapsed crater that erupted six million years ago and guards the sparkling harbour of Lyttelton. Standing on the observation deck, looking west, the Southern Alps seem to be in sight through the pure air; in the east, the endless sea is connected to the sky.New Zealand · Christchurch
Shamarra Alpacas
Shamara Alpaca Ranch is located in Akaroa, Banks Peninsula, about 80 kilometers from Christchurch. Take an alpaca ranch tour, you can have the opportunity to pet the alpacas, direct the alpacas into the sheep pen, and get up close and personal with the lovely alpacas. Also, the view from the ranch overlooking the beautiful Akaroa harbour is gorgeous. Drinks and home-baked biscuits are served in the ranch's barn, and the Alpaca Shop also sells a dazzling array of New Zealand-made alpaca handwovens.New Zealand · Wainui
South Island
South Island is the southern of the two main islands of New Zealand and is often considered to concentrate the essence of New Zealand's scenery: theSouthern Alpsrun through the entire island, with snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lakes, and fiords spreading along both sides of the mountain range. Drives between towns often take several hours, and there is new scenery around almost every turn. The island's attractions each have their own character. In the center, Aoraki / Mount Cook stands over 3,000 m tall; the Hooker Valley Track at the foot of the mountain is flat and easy to walk, and the glacial lake at the end captures the reflection of the snow-capped mountains on its surface. Not far away, Lake Tekapo glows with a milky blue color, and The Church of the Good Shepherd on the lakeshore is an iconic photo spot. After dark, light pollution is extremely low, allowing you to see the Milky Way, the Southern Cross, and the Magellanic Clouds with the naked eye.Milford Sound / Piopiotahi is hidden deep within Fiordland National Park,and taking a boat cruise between Mitre Peak and the waterfalls offers a chance to encounter seals basking in the sun. On the West Coast, you can take a helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier, or join a guided glacier hike. Those who enjoy a lively atmosphere can use Queenstown as a base, where outdoor activities like bungee jumping, skydiving, and jet boating are all available. The Skyline Gondola and the century-old coal-fired steamship TSS Earnslaw offer more leisurely views of the lake. Towns with distinct styles, such as Christchurch and Dunedin, are perfect for resting during your itinerary.New Zealand · Wedderburn
Skydive Wanaka
Wanaka skydiving is one of the most unique and exciting experiences in New Zealand. Compared with skydiving in Queenstown, Wanaka skydiving does not see the bustling street scene, but has a wider view of natural scenery. When you jump from a plane at 15,000 feet and experience an exciting free fall, you can enjoy undisturbed views of New Zealand's highest peak, Mount Cook, the sapphire mirror-like Lake Wanaka and glaciers, Views such as rivers. SkydiveWanaka is a skydiving company based in Wanaka. It currently offers skydiving at two heights, taking off from 15,000 feet or 12,000 feet, respectively. After 60 seconds or 45 seconds of free fall, start a 4-5 minute landing flight. Choose a package with video recording. To experience Wanaka skydiving, you need to book in advance on the official website or find an agent, and then go directly to the skydiving center to report. SkydiveWanaka can also provide free transportation to and from Wanaka town. Skydive can only be done in fine weather. If the activity you booked is cancelled due to weather, SkydiveWanaka will reschedule the skydive time for you. If the time affects your subsequent itinerary, you can also choose a full refund. The skydiving center is located at Wanaka Airport. After checking in at the front desk, the staff will take you to the screening hall to watch the Chinese version of the skydiving explanation video, so that you can understand the precautions and do some standard actions. Then fill in the Chinese version of the safety instructions and risk responsibility notice. With the help of professional staff, you can put on the skydiving equipment, and then you can take the plane and set off. The accompanying coach and photographer will decompress you professionally. Once you reach a certain height, you can experience skydiving, all you need to do is jump with the accompanying instructor. In the process of free fall, the body cannot bend, it must be bowed to maintain stability, and the hands must be open. There is a lot of wind in the sky, and you can feel your cheeks being blown by the wind, which is very exciting. After dozens of seconds of free fall, the accompanying instructor opens the parachute and starts to glide in the air. The instructor will also make many large swings to increase the fun of skydiving. When approaching the ground, you must raise your legs as required, and leave the landing to the accompanying coach, because people without professional training are easily injured when landing. If you book a package with video recordings, you can wait about 20 minutes after returning to the skydiving center to get the edited skydiving video and photos.New Zealand · Wanaka
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More ways to travel from Arthur's Pass
Private Tours in Arthur's Pass
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Free things to do in Arthur's Pass
Arthur's Pass National Park
Arthur's Pass · 13.1 km from downtownCastle Hill, New Zealand
Castle Hill · 32.7 km from Arthur's Pass
Arthur's Pass Walking Track
Arthur's Pass · 1.4 km from downtownAoraki/Mount Cook National Park
New Zealand · Gammack
Cardboard Cathedral
New Zealand · Christchurch
Lake Tekapo
New Zealand · Tekapo
Mount John
New Zealand · Tekapo
Wānaka
New Zealand · Wanaka
Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway
New Zealand · Kaikoura
Lake Pukaki
New Zealand · Ben Ohau
What travelers say about Arthur's Pass
旅の径3 September 2020
4.0
Located on the main road between Christchurch on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island and Greymouth on the west coast, it attracts many tourists.
The snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, clear lakes, magnificent glaciers, and especially the diverse hiking trails and meticulous travel services have won the favor of many climbers.
For most tourists who travel around the South Island, if they start from Christchurch, they can take Arthur's Pass as the first stop and appetizer; if they take Christchurch as the end point, they must be visually fatigued when they see Arthur's Pass.
Arthur's Pass National Park
cup***ei6 October 2026
5.0
We chose the whale-watching boat at 1:15 PM and were very lucky today, seeing three humpback whales, as well as dolphins, seals, and more. Highly recommended.
Whale Watch Kaikoura
acyeveryday13 March 2026
5.0
Majestic Middle Earth! Only 1.5 hours from Christchurch you need to visit Castle Hill! Natural limestone rock formations located in the Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area. Being surrounded by greenery and various rocks is an amazing sight. Hike and explore this land and waterways which holds significant importance to Ngāi Tahu 🏞On route you should also stop at the famous Sheffield Pies. A New Zealand pie is a classic for us kiwis!
Castle Hill, New Zealand
_AP***8910 October 2026
5.0
Good way to see some penguins if you didn’t make any prior arrangements to see more.
Ōamaru Penguins
Thinh03047 October 2026
5.0
My friends and I recently had the pleasure of experiencing Punting On The Avon at the Antigua Boat Sheds, and it was an absolutely excellent outing from start to finish. We were looking for a relaxing group activity, and this completely exceeded our expectations. The scenery and natural environment along the river are stunningly beautiful, making it a perfectly tranquil escape that contributed to a fantastic atmosphere. Our overall enjoyment was top-tier; gliding along the water while taking in the picturesque sights was both peaceful and incredibly fun to share with friends. Everything was incredibly well-organized, and we all felt that the exceptional service provided outstanding value for money. If you are traveling with a group of friends and looking for a highly rated, memorable experience on the water, we cannot recommend this enough!
Punting On The Avon (Antigua Boat Sheds)
赶景5 August 2026
4.0
The Lin'an Art Museum is located inside the Wu-Yue Cultural Park, which also houses the Lin'an Museum and the Wu-Yue Cultural Museum. The art museum is not large, but it is quite exquisitely decorated, and the surrounding environment is fantastic. You can visit it while you are at the museum.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Flora_Gu12 August 2025
5.0
Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand's South Island, nestled between mountains and the sea, offers panoramic views of the city and coastline from the cable car. We followed the directions a friend had sent us and arrived near the summit. A short climb up brought us to the cable car station. There's an observation deck and a cafe on the second floor. This way, we only had to buy a one-way ticket down the mountain, which was significantly cheaper. A Chinese staff member at the ticket office told us about a "Time Tunnel" car showcasing the history of Canterbury, New Zealand. If you take the No. 8 bus to the base of the mountain, you can take the cable car up and then back down—perhaps a classic way to enjoy the experience.
Christchurch Gondola
_M1***4916 February 2026
5.0
When we arrived, it was raining. We were asked if we wanted the activity moved indoors due to the weather, and we were offered a refund or a reschedule. We didn't reschedule. Although the activity was indoors, the alpacas were just as cute, our mood was just as good, and the activity was just as wonderful. Thank you for the cookies; they were delicious.
Shamarra Alpacas
huangke12319 August 2025
5.0
记得飞南岛之前，澳大利亚朋友戏谑“You're going to the ditches”，你们要进山沟啦，或曰，你们要掉坑里啦！当时我还有点不解其意，现在想来，我们走过的多个城镇，要不围着湖要不沿着河，周围大多群山环绕，依山傍水，确实有点掉进夹皮沟里的感觉。可这沟里的景色确实太美了，让人流连忘返，可也不得不返，因为啥啥都贵。
South Island
J O8 January 2026
5.0
After my NZONE in Queenstown was canceled due to high winds, I didn't give up and switched to SKYDIVE. The weather was fantastic that day, the staff were warm and friendly, and I even chatted with strangers who were jumping from the same plane.
The view from a different perspective was amazing. Because I chose the highest altitude, I was the last person to jump. But aside from being really nervous the moment I jumped, the floating experience was incredibly fun! 🥳
Skydive Wanaka
