The falls are impressive and easy to reach. Don’t drive through Arthur’s Pass without making a quick detour for this trek!
This travel guide will explain how to get there, and everything you need to know before you go!
Quick Facts
- Distance: 2 kilometers (1.2 mi) return
- Elevation Gain: 150 meters (500 ft)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 1 hr
Where Is It?
The Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall is located in Arthur’s Pass, on the South Island of New Zealand.
The trailhead starts by Bealey River and there’s a dedicated car park with plenty of space.
If you’re starting from Christchurch, it’s a 2 hour drive to Devil’s Punchbowl Falls.
What To Expect
The hike to Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall is a short and steep climb through a beech forest, with about 200 steps, but I’d rate it as easy. You can reach the falls in less than 30 minutes.
There’s a platform for viewing the falls from the creek, or you can take the path all the way up to the base of the falls (recommended) for an even better look.
It’s a great waterfall at 130 meters tall (425 feet), and it has a strong flow all year round. The best time for photos is in the morning around 9-10 AM, before the sun is too high.
When we did this trek in February, there were only a few other hikers on the trail. There’s also a decent chance of seeing Kea or Kiwi birds.
A lot of South Island itineraries go through Arthur’s Pass on the way back to Christchurch, so this is an easy hike to add onto the itinerary!
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