Arthur’s Pass is a small village surrounded by mountains and is the starting point for many hikes in the Southern Alps, like the famous Avalanche Peak Track. From here you can access short walks or multi-day trails, so it is a great base if you want to explore the area.

If you are camping with a tent, be careful because there are a lot of keas in the area. These alpine parrots are curious and can easily chew on tents, backpacks, or anything left out. Watching them is fun though, as they are playful, noisy, and very intelligent birds. Just make sure to secure your gear and enjoy seeing them from a safe distance.