The Arthur’s Pass National Park was established in 1929 in the South Island of New Zealand. Located west of Christchurch, this park was the very first national park on the South Island and the third national park to be opened in New Zealand. Bisected by the State Highway 73, this road passes through the park via the Arthur’s Pass village. The park is administered by the Department of Conservation which operates a visitor’s center in Arthur's Pass village. Here you can get all the information you require about this national park, including maps, route guides and detailed topography maps as well for trampers.

Located in the heart of the Southern Alps, Ka Tiritiri o te Moana, this park is breathtakingly beautiful with stunning vistas to enjoy. As you walk through this park you cannot help but be impressed with the incredible all round views of the snowcapped mountains around you, most of which are over 2000 meters high. The highest mountain is Mt Murchison, which stands some 2400 meters high. Some scenic walks here include trips to Temple Basin, Mt Aicken, Mt Beatley and Avalanche Peak. All these walks take between 4 to six hours.

If you are interested in some longer tramps, then the Goat Pass Track is fantastic with some wonderful views. It takes two days to navigate. However, if you are looking for something more challenging then try the Harpers Pass Track and the Harman Pass Track. Both these passes are meant for experienced trampers and it is advisable to ask the locals in the area for advice on how to trek here.

Arthur’s Pass National Park is famous for tramping, skiing and mountaineering. Some of the most popular tramping tracks of the park are; Mingha-Deception, Avalanche Peak and Hawdon-Edwards. Most of the mountains around Arthur’s Pass involve some very challenging terrain, so it is important that you learn as much about this park as you can before you head out here. While this national park is very beautiful, it also has gained the reputation of being one of the most dangerous parks in New Zealand. This is because there are a lot of steep vertical ascents here and sudden changes in weather as in most alpine conditions.