One of the highest settlements in the country, Arthur’s Pass sits in the middle of a national park of the same name. The village has a choice of cafes and a few shops. Arthur's Pass National Park offers a range of walks, from easy strolls to demanding climbs. Tracks lead through rich forest to waterfalls, alpine meadows and mountain peaks. The Devil's Punchbowl Falls is a popular one hour return walk from the village. The highly scenic Tranz Alpine rail service runs through Arthur’s Pass. From late May to October, the highway through the town is sometimes closed, due to snow or black ice.
Functional facts: Department of Conservation Visitor Centre, fuel, limited accommodation, train station.