Walks
Explanation of Ratings (applicable to visiting school groups)
Easy Well formed and graded track to suit all abilities.
Moderate Well formed track to suit most abilities.
Challenging Rough track surface. Often steep. Require reasonable fitness.
Very challenging Unmarked route. Suitable only for groups with above average fitness and outdoor skills.
Punchbowl falls
Return time: 1-1.5 hours
Grading: Moderate
Weather?: All weathers
Highlights: 131 high metre waterfall
Discription: Starts from village. A short walk to the base of the spectacular Punchbowl falls is also great introduction to the flora and fauna of the area.
Bridal Veil falls track
Return time: 2-2.5 hours
Grading: Moderate
Weather?: All weathers
Highlights: Pleasant forest walk
Discription: Starts from village. Generally gentle graded track with one short steep section to the bridge over Bridal Veil stream.
Bealey valley
Return time: 4-6 hours
Grading: Moderate
Weather?: Most weathers
Highlights: Transition from mountain forest to sub-alpine to Alpine vegetation. Views of Mt Rolleston.
Discription: Continuing from the end of Bridal Veil track, cross State Highway 73 and the Bealey Chasm to follow the Bealey river to its ultimate source.
Dobson Nature Walk and Upper Otira valley track
Return time: 30 min to 1.5 hours
Grading: Easy/moderate
Weather?: Weather dependant
Highlights: Alpine vegetation
Discription: Starting from the summit of Arthur's Pass these two walks can be linked or walked individually. They provide easy access to the very diverse alpine vegetation of the area. From November through to February the alpine daisies, Mount Cook Buttercup and other alpine flowers will be in bloom.
Temple Basin
Return time: 4-6 hours
Grading: Challenging
Weather?: Weather dependant
Highlights: Views of Mt Rolleston and surrounding mountains. Alpine vegetation.
Discription: Starts from the summit of Arthur's Pass. This track zig zags from the Pass to Temple Basin skifield (2 hours for average school group). There is an enclosed shelter at the skifield. Especially adventurous groups may continue from here to Pages shelter or the tarns at Bills Basin (Grading: Very Challenging).
Scotts track
Return time: 4-6 hours
Grading: Challenging
Weather?: Weather dependant
Highlights: Views of village and surrounding mountains
Discription: Starts from village. This track climbs in a series of steps to the bushline (approx 2 hours) and ultimately to the summit of Avalanche Peak (Grading: Very Challenging). There are several pleasant open areas between the village and bushline to take a view or lunch break.