A Guide To The Devils Punchbowl Falls In The Arthurs Pass

The Devils Punchbowl Falls are certainly the highlight when visiting the Arthurs Pass National Park. Sitting at a height of 131m tall this makes these falls the tallest in Canterbury. Standing at the bottom of the falls feeling the insane power that rushes off it (a heads up you may get soaked) is an incredible experience and one you don’t want to miss!

The Devils Punchbowl Falls are located halfway between the East and the West coast on New Zealand’s South Island. About 2 hours if you’re coming from Christchurch and less than an hour and a half from Greymouth. The carpark is on your right if you’re coming from Christchurch and is just passed the Arthurs Pass Village. Keep an eye out for a DOC sign and head in towards the big gravel parking area. There are no toilets along the track so use the portaloos in the car park before you start the walk, or don’t, that’s really up to you :P.

The walk is nice and easy for all levels (a great one to do as a family), although you are climbing stairs for about 5 minutes, so if you’re of medium fitness like us expect to build up a sweat. The walk will only take about an hour return and is a really great track to stretch the legs if you’re just stopping off on your drive. The track is well signposted, maintained and easy to walk on. You’ll cross a couple of bridges, climb a few 100 stairs before descending slightly as you approach the viewing platform. There are plenty of beautiful viewpoints of the falls along the track but the unobstructed view from the platform is 100% the best!

A little sneaky tip - If you’re walking down the stairs from the viewing platform, look to your left over the barrier to a sign that says something like “proceed with caution”. Jump over the barrier and continue up the unmarked track behind this sign. The track isn’t paved whatsoever but has clearly been used enough to make it obvious where to go. After only a couple of minutes you’ll come out of the bush to a clearing right at the bottom of the waterfall. The wind from the falls is incredibly powerful from this spot so make sure you’re prepared. Either wear togs and freeze like we did or wear a waterproof jacket.

Feeling peckish after your stroll? The Wobbly Kea in the Arthurs Pass Village fries up some mean chips, alternatively you have the cafe across the road. If you’re heading towards Christchurch maybe hold on until you get to Sheffield, that way you can grab yourself one of their famous pies!

I have no doubt in my mind that the Devils Punchbowl Falls will blow you away. Enjoy your time there and as always…

Toitu Te Whenua // Leave The Land Undisturbed

Love a good waterfall? Make sure to check out our guide to all the best waterfalls in the Catlins.