Cheeky Kea: What to See Along Arthur's Pass

This blog post about Arthur’s Pass is in partnership with Cheeky Kea Tours. All imagery and views are my own.

Arthur's Pass - Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall — *The Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall, Arthur’s Pass*

Arthur’s Pass stretches through the southern Alps, connecting Christchurch in the East to New Zealand’s West Coast. Although it can create a bit of an awkward detour on any circular road trip of New Zealand’s south island, it’s well worth it! Read on for an idea of what there is to see and do:

Hiking

Equally beautiful in summer and in winter, Arthur’s Pass is full of hiking trails galore, from short walks to multi-day trails. Looking for maximum reward? I’d highly suggest the Avalanche Peak Track, a one-day hike which offers sweeping views of the Southern Alps. This route is deceptively short but includes a lot of elevation gain, so make sure to allow plenty of time! Visit the official Arthur’s Pass website here for the full selection of trails in the area. Always check the weather before setting off on a hike, no matter how short.

Devil’s Punchbowl

Just north of Arthur’s Pass village you’ll find the start of the walking trail up to see the Devil’s Punchbowl, a spectacular waterfall that towers 131 metres over lush native beech forest. You’ll follow the path over a couple of a foot bridges across the Bealey River, followed by a set of steps climbing 150 metres up to the viewing platform. If you decide to go close to the waterfall, just make sure you’re wearing something waterproof as the spray is quite powerful!

TranzAlpine Railway

Famed for being one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world, the TranzAlpine is a must for anyone wanting to experience New Zealand in style. The service runs from Christchurch to Greymouth on New Zealand’s West Coast (and vice-versa), wending it’s way through the Canterbury Plains, Arthur’s Pass and the majestic Southern Alps to the lush forests of the West Coast beyond.

Find out more here and here.

The Otira Viaduct

The Otira Viaduct is a true feat of New Zealand engineering, and the sheer scale of it all will take your breath away. What’s even more impressive is the fact that the Otira Viaduct is built in one of the most earthquake-prone areas of New Zealand, so it has been designed to withstand extreme seismic forces. Head up to the Otira Viaduct Lookout for spectacular views of the prize-winning structure.

Arthur's Pass - Otira Viaduct — *The Otira Viaduct, a feat of New Zealand engineering*

The Cheeky Kea

Last but not least, no trip to Arthur’s Pass is complete without meeting New Zealand’s famous alpine parrot: the Kea. The best place to spot them is at the Otira Viaduct Lookout, a few km north of Arthur’s Pass village. These cheeky birds are known to land on the top of cars and buses, and will happily come quite close. Don’t be deceived though – they are incredibly inquisitive and clever so make sure they don’t sneak up on you and pinch your snacks! (Please do not feed them as this is harmful to these endangered birds). If you’re lucky enough to see them in flight you’ll notice that the underside of their wings is a beautiful flame-coloured orange!

Arthur's Pass - New Zealand Kea Alpine Parrot — *New Zealand’s Cheeky Kea: the world’s only Alpine parrot*

Want to visit Arthur’s Pass but rather someone else do all the hard work for you? Check out Cheeky Kea Tours here. This small locally-owned company offers a variety of tours in the area.

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