Arthur’s Pass National Park is one of those pristine pockets of Aotearoa that is a true tramper’s playground. Here are six trips from one of the few towns in the country with an apostrophe in its name.

The two red huts 

Some trampers don’t mind spending hours marching their way up a wide, flat riverbed; others would rather do almost anything else. If you’re in the first camp (or willing to give it a red-hot crack), Waimakariri Falls Hut and Barker Hut are worth the effort. Both routes involve multiple river crossings, cross avalanche terrain and are the kind of river march that has tested many a tramper’s sanity. It’s a rite of passage, really. 

Both routes begin at Klondyke Corner on the true left of Waimakariri River, just north of the Bealey Bridge. You can start via O’Malley’s Track on the south side, but most trampers stick to the riverbed since it’s usually faster and more straightforward.

From Klondyke, follow the riverbed for 12km+ (about 4hr at a moderate pace) to reach Carrington Hut (36 bunks).

Waimakariri Falls Hut

Continue along Waimakariri River for 7.6km (about 3hr). The trail leaves the river, climbs gently through bush beneath Carrington Peak and Mt Rolleston, then steepens as it skirts waterfalls and bluffs before arriving at the hut, where an army of kea will be ready to nab your gear as soon as you take your eyes off it.

Grade: Moderate–difficult

Barker Hut

From Carrington Hut, head up Taipoiti River until it meets White River. A cairned, rocky route leads to Barker Hut, a good base for an ascent of Mt Murchison andmirror-tarn photography. It’s 6.7km from Carrington.

Grade: Moderate–difficult

Ridgelines and scree runs

If you don’t mind mild exposure, getting handsy with rock and long days on your feet, these two are classics.

Bealey Avalanche Traverse

This 7–9hr, 11km traverse is typically tackled from Avalanche Peak to Mt Bealey, with a scree descent to Rough Creek or a non-scree descent via the Mt Bealey Track. Allow a full day, pick a clear forecast and take a helmet if you have one for the sketchy sections.

Grade: Difficult

The Pyramid to Sudden Valley

Starting from Hawdon Shelter, follow the flats to the Sudden Valley junction, then climb to Pt1608 (the Pyramid) and on to Pt1565. From here, a healthy scree slope drops you suddenly into the aptly named Sudden Valley, where the track threads through the gorge back to the shelter. Often described by locals as one of the best day trips in the pass, over a 9hr, 13km day it serves up a solid mix of scree, precarious ridgelines and alpine pools for a quick plunge. A helmet is useful on this trip. 

Grade: Difficult

For a Soak

Not much beats a hot pool in and around the Main Divide. Just bring a sandfly net!

Otehake Hot Pools

Start either at the Morrison Footbridge (to avoid the Ōtira River crossing) or leave from Aickens on SH73 past Ōtira township. Begin by following the marked Lake Kaurapataka trail. Beyond the lake the track climbs to a saddle. Turn right up the river – choose between the marked high route or a riverside route, both of which require crossing the Otehake, which can run swiftly. The springs are about 1.7km from the saddle and camping is possible on a small island beside the springs. Because the journey typically takes 5–7hr, spending the night is encouraged. 

Grade: Moderate

Julia Hut Hot Pools

Access Julia Hut from Arthur’s Pass via Harman Pass up the Waimakariri (a comfortable two-day trip), or from the West Coast near Jacksons via the Taipo Track (7–10hr). The Arthur’s Pass route follows the same track as Waimakariri Falls and Barker Huts to Carrington Hut. It’s worth spending the night here before branching up Taipoiti River to Harman Pass (3hr), and into Mary Creek. Julia Hut (4hr from Harman Pass) sits at the confluence of Julia and Mary creeks. Bring your upper body strength: the hot pools (downstream from the hut) often need a bit of excavation before they’re usable.

Grade: Moderate–difficult