Avalanche Peak Hike – An Epic New Zealand Adventure Not For the Faint of Heart!

Make space on your New Zealand bucket list for the Avalanche Peak day hike out of Arthur’s Pass. If you’re game for some steep climbing, spectacular panoramic views, and aren’t too afraid of heights, this is the one for you!

Quick Overview

Covering 1,100m of elevation gain in just over 2.5km of horizontal distance, Avalanche Peak is not a day hike for the faint of heart or one to be completed in poor weather.

The track begins in Arthur’s Pass Village, in the Kā Tiritiri o te Moana/Southern Alps of New Zealand’s South Island, about a two-hour drive from Christchurch. It takes around 5-8 hours to complete.

Unreal views from the top!

Avalanche Peak Facts

Scott’s Route

Distance: 7.1km
Duration: 5-8 hours
Elevation gain: 1,026m
Nearest town: Arthur’s Pass Village

Loop (via Avalanche Peak Track and Scott’s Route)

Distance: 7.7km
Duration: 5-8 hours
Elevation gain: 1,071m
Nearest town: Arthur’s Pass Village

About Arthur’s Pass

The drive through Arthur’s Pass climbs over 900m, making it the highest pass through New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

With jagged mountains, snow-capped peaks, and dramatic waterfalls, it’s the ideal way for road trippers to cross between New Zealand’s East and West Coasts.

While many drive the pass in a day, it’s well worth spending a night in Arthur’s Pass Village and sneaking in a day trip up to Avalanche Peak to see the spectacular alpine scenery only visible by foot.

About Avalanche Peak Hike

Avalanche Peak (1,833m) is the only peak in Arthur’s Pass marked by poles all the way to the summit. There are two trails going up to Avalanche Peak – the Avalanche Peak Trail and Scott’s Track – so hikers can choose whether they want to do a loop or out-and-back.

Both trails are easy-to-follow tracks as far as the treeline, after which they become routes, marked with cairns and colour-coded snow poles – yellow for Avalanche Peak Route and orange for Scott’s Route.

The orange marker for Scott’s Route

If you decide to hike the track as a loop, the Department of Conservation (DOC) recommends you begin with the shorter and steeper Avalanche Peak Track and return with the slightly less steep (but certainly no walk in the park!) Scott’s Route.

Make sure to visit the Arthur’s Pass Visitor Centre before you start your trek, as it has up-to-date information on Avalanche Peak weather and trail conditions.

Our group was advised to take Scott’s Route both ways, as the conditions were icy at the top. However, after we reached the summit, the weather had warmed up and conditions were less dangerous, so we were able to return via Avalanche Peak Track.

How to Get to Avalanche Peak

Avalanche Peak Route: From the Arthur’s Pass Visitor Centre, walk north along the bush and you’ll see a signpost for the beginning of the track.

Scott’s Route: About 700m west of the Arthur’s Pass Visitor Centre, Scott’s Track is signposted on the main road, opposite Devils Punchbowl Falls.

Where to Stay in Arthur’s Pass

There are a range of accommodation options in Arthur’s Pass Village and surrounds. We stayed in the Avalanche Peak Shelter DOC campsite, which was conveniently located right near the DOC office, and within walking distance of the Avalanche Peak trailhead.

While this campsite has flushing toilets and an indoor space for cooking (quite luxurious compared to some of the sites we’ve been staying in), it’s worth noting the Kea (alpine parrots) in the area are very curious, and very confident.

By Tobias Stonjeck via Unsplash

Signs in the campsite from the DOC say campers staying in tents are advised not to leave their tent unattended due to the damage Kea can cause to their gear.

There’s an alternative campsite further down the pass campers can stay at if they prefer. Our friends stayed in a tent and were fine, however we were in a van and had some Kea munch through our roof box – so it seems to really be the luck of the draw!

If you’re looking for something nicer than a campsite, there are options to suit every budget, including the Arthur’s Pass Alpine Motel, Mountain House Backpackers, Arthur’s Pass Motel and Lodge, The Tussocks, and the Sanctuary Backpackers.

Where to Eat in Arthur’s Pass

Also, food options in Arthur’s Pass are pretty limited, so I would suggest packing your own meals. However, if you’re in desperate need of a pint or a pub feed after the hike, the Bealey Hotel is 12km down the road towards Christchurch, and if you’re heading the other direction the Otira Stagecoach Hotel is 12km toward the West Coast.

Skill Level for Avalanche Peak

Intermediate – Advanced

The difficulty of this hike is not to be underestimated. There have been 11 deaths along the Avalanche Peak route since 1933, so it’s crucial to check the conditions and be prepared.

If the weather is looking bad, with high winds, poor visibility, and rainy or snowy conditions, the track can be incredibly hazardous.

The track is also very steep and involves a lot of rock scrambling, so get ready for a big workout.

DOC classifies the hike as ‘expert’ – however if you’re reasonably fit, prepared to use your hands for balance, and the conditions are looking good then I’d say go for it!

There are also no water sources along the track, so make sure to top-up your drink bottle before leaving Arthur’s Pass Village.

Avalanche Peak Essential Gear

• At least 2L of water – it’s thirsty work tackling that much elevation gain, and there are no good fill-up spots along the track
• Warm layers – even if it’s a warm day, the top of the summit can get pretty windy and chilly
• Sun protection – this track is very exposed, so bringing a hat, sunnies, and sunscreen is essential!
• Waterproofs – the weather can turn quickly in alpine environments, so it’s important to be prepared for any conditions
• Hiking poles – optional, but can be helpful for balancing and getting up and down the steep bits
• Snacks/lunch – I mean, why wouldn’t you?

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

What it’s Like to Hike (or Rock Scramble!) Avalanche Peak

It’s very rare to find a hike rated 4.9 stars on AllTrails – but Avalanche Peak makes the cut, and with reviews describing it as ‘The most magical trail I’ve ever hiked!’, and a ‘leg burner and tear-jerker… absolutely thrilling views’, it’s clear why.

The reviews weren’t wrong

The tracks begin by climbing through mountain beech forest, showcasing the magnificent Devils Punchbowl Waterfall in the distance.

Above the treeline, tussock grass encases the mountains before it eventually gives way to rock.

The ridge is narrow with steep drop-offs on either side, so tread carefully, and don’t be afraid to use your hands for stability.

The summit itself is truly incredible. I’ve never seen such a panoramic view of snow-capped mountains, and we even witnessed an avalanche on one of the neighbouring mountains!

Tips for Hiking Avalanche Peak and Crossing Arthur’s Pass

The biggest advice for hiking Avalanche Peak is to check the weather and conditions. New Zealand’s DOC offices hold a wealth of information – make the most of them!

Also, Arthur’s Pass can be subject to poor road conditions, particularly during winter. Again, it’s important to check road conditions and pack snow chains in winter.

The reception on the road is also limited (although reliable in Arthur’s Pass Village).

Be sure to fill up on fuel before you leave Christchurch or the West Coast unless you want to cop the extortionate petrol fees in Arthur’s Pass Village.

Be safe and enjoy this incredible hike!