Devils Punch Falls at Arthurs Pass Village

Arthurs Pass is the direct route east to west and west to east between Canterbury and the rugged remote West Coast. It’s a great scenic drive, but more about that later. This blog is about Devils Punch Falls, a great walk to do when you reach Arthurs Pass village on route.

Tip: leave the car in the village near the information centre and walk to the start of the falls. This allows you to fully take in the village, the high towering mountains surrounding everything and the small little huts once built for the workers in the area. They are gradually being converted into small holiday homes. A rock strewn walk takes you across uneven ground to a couple of very sturdy swing bridges which cross the river. Carry on straight ahead to begin the climb up to Devils Punch Falls. It is clearly signposted. The climb takes you up through native alpine bush and as you make your way up slopes and seemingly endless steps you are serenaded all the way by mischievous fantails and little waxeyes. There is even a rare Saddleback or two to sing you an unusual tune.

It is quite a grunt to the top where a large purpose built viewing platform overlooks the falls. Devils Punch Falls plummets down from way above to form a rocky stream beneath. As the water falls over the edge of the tree laden cliff face it’s difficult to tell where it originates from - presumably a snow melt high above.

There is no doubt that after a long car journey this walk invigorates your senses and your body……