Last updated November 2026
Devils Punchbowl Falls, also known as Te Tautea o Hinekakai, is a waterfall DOC gives as 131 m high, in Arthur’s Pass National Park, at the northern end of Arthur’s Pass village on SH73. DOC’s Devils Punchbowl Walking Track takes about 1 hour return from the signposted car park, ending at a viewing platform near the base of the falls.
DOC grades it easy, but the second half is a steep climb with more than 400 steps. The falls run all year and are most spectacular in spring, when snowmelt feeds them. Arthur’s Pass is about 109 km from central Christchurch in a straight line, and DOC gives 2 hours 30 minutes by car.
Practical Information
- Start
- Devils Punchbowl Falls car park, off SH73 at the northern end of Arthur’s Pass village
- Distance from the city
- About 109 km from Christchurch (2 hours 30 minutes by car, DOC)
- Walking time
- About 1 hour return
- Grade
- Easy, with a steep climb of 400+ steps
- Height of the falls
- 131 m (DOC); other sources give 112 m
- Dogs
- No dogs in Arthur’s Pass National Park
- Track type
- Walking track, return the same way
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Devils Punchbowl Falls
The walk begins on a rough gravel track from the car park. There is an unbridged crossing at Wardens Creek near the Bealey River footbridge. A clearing just past the Bealey bridge has a picnic table and seating. A few minutes later a second bridge crosses Devils Punchbowl Creek, with a good view of the falls.
From there the track climbs steeply through mountain beech (tāwhairauriki) forest to a viewing platform near the base. When the falls are in full flow, spray covers the platform and DOC describes the noise as deafening. You return the same way.
The water pours from a glacial hanging valley. DOC names Ngāi Tūāhuriri as mana whenua. DOC notes that until the early 1900s the name Devils Punchbowl belonged only to the pool at the bottom, and the falls themselves were called Zealandia Falls.
Listen for rifleman, bellbird, fantail, tomtit and grey warbler in the forest, and look out for kea. Kea are protected, so don’t feed them. Great spotted kiwi (roroa) are often heard calling at dusk.
Wardens Creek, Ice and Avalanches
Wardens Creek can flood the track during and after heavy rain. Don’t cross if it is flowing fast or looks muddy. Parts of the track are narrow and exposed, so keep children close and stay back from edges.
In winter and after snow the track gets icy, and the area beyond the end of the track at the Bealey River is subject to avalanche hazard. Snow can close SH73, so check highway conditions before you drive, and expect snow, freezing temperatures, strong wind or strong sun in any season. Check DOC before you go.
Practical Tips
Parking is free for cars and campervans, but DOC warns that thieves may target vehicles here, so take valuables with you.
Toilets, including an accessible toilet, are at the Arthur’s Pass National Park Visitor Centre, 5 minutes away by car. There is no drinking water or rubbish bins on the track, and mobile coverage is patchy. The TranzAlpine train and regular buses stop at Arthur’s Pass. Flying a drone in the park needs a permit.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Devils Punchbowl Walking Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
ChristchurchNZ: Top 5 Canterbury waterfalls: Devils Punchbowl and nearby Avalanche Creek Falls.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Devils Punchbowl walk?
About 1 hour return from the car park.
How high is Devils Punchbowl Falls?
DOC describes it as a 131 m waterfall; other sources, including ChristchurchNZ, give 112 m.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it easy, but expect a steep climb with more than 400 steps.
Where do I park?
At the signposted Devils Punchbowl Falls car park off SH73, at the northern end of Arthur’s Pass village. Parking is free.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Dogs aren’t allowed in Arthur’s Pass National Park.
When is the best time to go?
The falls flow all year and are most spectacular in spring, with snowmelt.
Is the track open in winter?
It can be icy in winter and after snow, and SH73 can close for snow. Check DOC and highway conditions first.
Are there toilets?
At the Arthur’s Pass National Park Visitor Centre, 5 minutes away by car.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.