Arthur's Pass

Travel Guide

Arthur's Pass is one of the few roads connecting the East and West sides of New Zealand's South Island. The road winds it way through a mountain pass with beautiful and dramatic scenery. The area is great for outdoor activities such as hiking, or spotting waterfalls and the Kea (=alpine parrots).
Arthur's Pass is one of the few roads connecting the East and West sides of New Zealand's South Island. The road winds it way through a mountain pass with beautiful and dramatic scenery. The area is great for outdoor activities such as hiking, or spotting waterfalls and the Kea (=alpine parrots).
Arthur’s Pass, New Zealand
During my travels by bicycle in New Zealand, I treated myself to the Tranz Alpine which goes from the west to the east coast of the South Island, or the other way around. 

This was taken from the train. The yellow  flowers called broom (cytisus scoparius) aren't really flowers although beautiful, they are considered a weed and a threat to the native flora and fauna. 

I also rode in the Coastal Pacific train which borders the eastern coast of the island finishing in the port town of Picton.
As you come out the West Coast side of Arthur's Pass the view of the mountains is spectacular. #LifeAtExpedia
The Bealey Hotel

The Bealey Hotel

4 out of 5
12858 W Coast Rd Arthur's Pass Canterbury
Stay at this hotel in Arthur's Pass. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (180 reviews)
Fantastic location, stunning scenary

Reviewed on Feb 24, 2026

The Bealey Hotel
Mountain Village Bach

Mountain Village Bach

Arthur's Pass Canterbury
The price is ¥13,004 per night from Mar 18 to Mar 19
¥13,004
¥17,927 total
Mar 18 - Mar 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this cottage in Arthur's Pass National Park. Enjoy patios. Popular attractions Historic Village Walk and Devils Punchbowl Waterfall are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (176 reviews)
Great location

Reviewed on Feb 22, 2026

Mountain Village Bach
Arthur's Pass Alpine Motel

Arthur's Pass Alpine Motel

3.5 out of 5
52 Main Road Arthur's Pass National Park Canterbury
The price is ¥12,018 per night from Mar 18 to Mar 19
¥12,018
¥13,896 total
Mar 18 - Mar 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Arthur's Pass National Park. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (314 reviews)
The rooms are nice, the views all around are wonderful, location is convenient. But really the reason i gave it 5 stars is due to the proprietor. Fiona is generous, affable, helpful, and just generally lovely host.

Reviewed on Feb 17, 2026

Arthur's Pass Alpine Motel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Mountain Village Bach

Mountain Village Bach

Arthur's Pass Canterbury
Stay at this cottage in Arthur's Pass National Park. Enjoy patios. Popular attractions Historic Village Walk and Devils Punchbowl Waterfall are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (176 reviews)
Great location

Reviewed on Feb 22, 2026

Mountain Village Bach
A quite gateway in the mountain! Cass cottage 1 - Lake Pearson, Authur's Pass

A quite gateway in the mountain! Cass cottage 1 - Lake Pearson, Authur's Pass

Lake Pearson Canterbury Region
Stay at this cabin in Cass. Enjoy patios.
10/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
The location, cabin and scenery The cabin was beautiful inside, new furniture and design, super comfortable and just comfortable! Didn’t expect much being middle of nowhere but it exceeded all expectations.The CASS was a beautiful location halfway on the Arthurs pass, highly recommend!!!Met the owner ...

Reviewed on Feb 12, 2026

A quite gateway in the mountain! Cass cottage 1 - Lake Pearson, Authur's Pass
Cottage within the magical gardens of Flaxmere

Cottage within the magical gardens of Flaxmere

Hurunui Masons Flat
Book a stay at this golf cottage in Masons Flat. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Flaxmere Garden and Hawarden Golf Club are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (134 reviews)
Penny is a gracious and welcoming host and the property is lovely - I've stayed before and I look forward to returning.

Reviewed on Mar 1, 2026

Cottage within the magical gardens of Flaxmere
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Reviews of Arthur's Pass

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
9
5 - Excellent 64%
4 - Good
4
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

There are 2 cafes in town with marginal food. Otherwise it was a nice stop.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Avalanche Peak is incredible.

4/5 - Good

Tom

It is a beautiful area, but unfortunately the day I arrived it started raining and continued the next day. Had to close the road later that day do to flooding in the area.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Gorgeous views all around town and It seemed a friendly spot! Watch out for the kea at the general store, cool to see but also a sneaky mayhem monster that stole four lunches right off people's plates/laps just while I was there