Devil's Punchbowl Falls
A powerful 131m waterfall reached by a scenic forest hike with many stairs, set in the stunning Arthur's Pass National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Devil's Punchbowl Falls
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A powerful 131m waterfall reached by a scenic forest hike with many stairs, set in the stunning Arthur's Pass National Park.
"The end result is absolutely tremendous, with a high waterfall that will hit you ever so slightly from the viewing platform."
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The trail has many stairs and can be steep. Good grip and comfortable shoes are essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
🐶 No Dogs Allowed
Kiwi birds live in the area, so leave your furry friends at home to protect the local wildlife.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Falls
Viewing platform
A powerful, 131m-high waterfall cascading dramatically into the valley. Refreshing mist and stunning views await.
Lush Beech Forest Trail
Trailhead at Arthur's Pass village
A scenic 2km return walk through vibrant beech forest, filled with birdsong and fresh mountain air.
Arthur's Pass Views
Along the hike and viewing platform
Enjoy beautiful views of Arthur's Pass and the surrounding Southern Alps, especially stunning with winter snow.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for Stairs!
Best Times for Solitude
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The trail has many stairs and can be steep. Good grip and comfortable shoes are essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
🐶 No Dogs Allowed
Kiwi birds live in the area, so leave your furry friends at home to protect the local wildlife.
💧 Prepare for Mist
The powerful waterfall creates a refreshing mist on the viewing platform. You might get a little damp!
📸 Capture the Majesty
The falls are incredibly photogenic, especially with the dramatic landscape. Bring your camera!
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The trail has many stairs and can be steep. Good grip and comfortable shoes are essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
🐶 No Dogs Allowed
Kiwi birds live in the area, so leave your furry friends at home to protect the local wildlife.
💧 Prepare for Mist
The powerful waterfall creates a refreshing mist on the viewing platform. You might get a little damp!
📸 Capture the Majesty
The falls are incredibly photogenic, especially with the dramatic landscape. Bring your camera!
🚶♀️ Short but Rewarding
The 2km return hike is manageable for most, taking about an hour. The effort is well worth the stunning views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Devil's Punchbowl Falls for its spectacular 131m cascade and the beautiful, well-maintained forest trail. Many highlight the rewarding workout from the stairs and the refreshing mist at the viewing platform. While the hike is moderate, some find the stairs challenging.
"Stairs, stairs, and more stairs! For a guy that's unfit like me it's a really good workout with a great reward at the end. They're doing a really good job making this trail that allow us to see the waterfall. Thank you. Kiwi lives here so don't bring your dog."
Andy Widopo
"Aicken Track peels off about half way up the Devils Punchbowl track. Worth going in the summer, I could only do an hour up the steep rugged track as I got to snow so unsafe currently. But got some great views despite the short walk. Good grip and good knees are essential for this hike."
Naomi James
"The Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall Track in Arthur’s Pass is a beautiful short walk (2 km return, about 1 hour). The trail winds through lush beech forest with birdsong and fresh mountain air. At the end, a 100+ meter waterfall cascades dramatically into the valley, sending mist onto the viewing platform—refreshing and spectacular. Easy to access, well-maintained, and rich with Māori stories and local history, it’s one of the highlights of Arthur’s Pass and well worth the stop."
Vincent Liu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Devil's Punchbowl Falls is located in Arthur's Pass National Park on New Zealand's South Island. The trailhead is easily accessible from Arthur's Pass village, just off SH73 at the Punchbowl car park. The hike is approximately 2km return.
Yes, the falls are a popular stop along the extremely picturesque drive through Arthur's Pass National Park, connecting Christchurch to the West Coast.
The trail starts at the northern end of Arthur's Pass village, with a dedicated car park. It's a short and well-marked walk from the village center.
Absolutely! It's a popular stop for day-trippers driving through Arthur's Pass. Allow at least an hour for the hike and viewing, plus driving time.
While direct public transport to the trailhead is limited, many bus tours and shuttle services that travel through Arthur's Pass will include a stop at the falls.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Devil's Punchbowl Falls and the surrounding Conservation Area are free to access. There are no entrance fees required.
The falls are accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and the best viewing experience.
No booking is required. As it's a natural attraction with no entry fee, you can visit anytime. Arriving earlier or later in the day can help avoid crowds.
The trail is generally open year-round. However, during winter, snow and ice can make conditions challenging, and parts of the trail might be unsafe. Always check local conditions.
The main restriction is that dogs are not allowed due to the presence of kiwi birds. Otherwise, it's open for public enjoyment.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is a 2 km return trip and typically takes about 1 hour to complete, including time to enjoy the falls.
The hike is considered moderate due to the numerous stairs and uphill sections. It's a good workout, but manageable for most with reasonable fitness.
While some brave souls have reportedly swum at the base, the water is extremely cold and the currents can be strong. It's generally not recommended for safety reasons.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the car park near the trailhead in Arthur's Pass village.
The hike involves many stairs, which can be challenging for very young children or those who cannot walk independently. Parents should assess their child's ability.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Mid-morning or late afternoon can offer softer light. However, the dramatic power of the falls is impressive at any time. Consider the mist for unique shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the falls and the surrounding landscape. A tripod can help with longer exposures if you want to smooth the water.
Experiment with different angles from the viewing platform, or try to capture the mist interacting with the light. The forest path also offers scenic shots.
The main viewing platform offers the most direct and impressive view. The trail itself also provides glimpses and opportunities for different perspectives.
The entire Arthur's Pass National Park is incredibly scenic. Look for panoramic views from higher points and capture the winding roads and mountain vistas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The natural beauty of the forest and the impressive waterfall are captivating for children. The short 2km return hike means it's not an overly long commitment. Pack snacks and water, and ensure everyone has sturdy shoes. The mist from the falls can be a fun, albeit damp, surprise for kids!
🚶 Budget Travelers
The hike itself is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of New Zealand without spending a fortune. It's a perfect addition to a road trip where you can pack your own provisions and enjoy a stunning natural wonder.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Consider visiting during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for softer light, or embrace the mist for ethereal shots. A wide-angle lens is recommended to capture the grandeur of the falls and the landscape. A tripod can be useful for smoothing the water's flow.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike to the Falls
While the hike is generally considered moderate, those with knee issues or lower fitness levels should be prepared for the climb. The effort is rewarded with increasingly impressive views as you approach the falls. Some reviewers mention that the trail can be steep and rugged, especially if venturing onto side tracks like the Aicken Track.
Keep an eye out for kiwi birds as they are known to inhabit the area, though sightings are rare and usually occur at dawn or dusk. Remember, dogs are not permitted to protect these native creatures.
Understanding the Falls' Majesty
+1Historically, the falls were known as Horseshoe Falls and are a prominent feature within the Devil's Punchbowl Conservation Area. The area is rich with Māori stories and local history, adding a cultural layer to the natural beauty. The dramatic drop and the surrounding alpine landscape make it a photographer's dream, especially during different seasons.
Visitors often describe the end result of the hike as 'tremendous' and 'absolute perfection.' The combination of the powerful waterfall, the surrounding natural beauty, and the sense of accomplishment after the climb makes it a memorable stop for many.
Best Practices for Visiting
While the falls are stunning year-round, visiting during the colder seasons can offer a unique perspective with snow-capped mountains in the background. However, be aware that winter conditions can make the trail more challenging and potentially unsafe.
Always wear appropriate footwear with good grip, as the stairs can be slippery, especially when wet. Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking scenery, and be prepared for the refreshing mist. Remember, this is a natural habitat for kiwi, so leave no trace and keep dogs at home.
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