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Time: 6 - 8 hr return
This is the most popular day walking peak at Arthur’s Pass. It is the only peak in Arthur’s Pass that is marked by a poled route to the summit. The climb gains 1100m height from the village and, on a fine day there are amazing views of the surrounding peaks. There are a couple of tracks that lead to the summit, Scotts Track and Avalanche Peak Track, both of which start from Arthur’s Pass Village. Make sure you pick up a detailed DOC map from the visitors centre just down the road.
In the winter this area has high avalanche hazards - be prepared with the right gear and know how to use it.
Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
DOC CanterburyCentral government organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Arthur's Pass |
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Categories |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
Feature | Value | Info |
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Track Duration |
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Track DurationHow long does it take to walk this track on average? ![]() 4 to 8 hours |
Track Difficulty |
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Track DifficultyConsidering the track's terrain, safety, facilities - how hard is this walk to complete? ![]() Hard walk |
Payment Requirement |
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Payment RequirementIs there a cost for this experience or is it free? ![]() Free access/participation The experience costs no money to access or take part in. |
Track Length |
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Track LengthWhat is the physical length of this track? 10km to 20km |
DOC Track Category |
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DOC Track CategoryWhat type of category does this walking track fall into (as defined by the NZ Department of Conservation)? ![]() Route Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking. Track unformed and natural, rough, muddy or very steep. Suitable for people with above average fitness. High level backcountry (remote areas) skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required. Complete self sufficiency required. Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings. Sturdy tramping/hiking boots required. |
Track Accommodation |
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Track AccommodationWhat type of accommodation is available on this walking track? ![]() Hut/Cabin At least one building is available on this track to stay in overnight. |
Track Managing Organisation |
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Track Managing OrganisationWhat type of organisation operates this walking track? ![]() DOC Managed This track is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation. ![]() |
The view is very beautiful all along the track.
Really exhausting track!
Very steep but the view was incredible!
The finest day walk in the South Island.
Very good views with a lot of Kea.
Rating | Count | Percentage | |
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10/10 | 16 |
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48% |
9/10 | 6 |
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18% |
8/10 | 7 |
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21% |
7/10 | 4 |
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12% |
6/10 | 0 |
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0% |
5/10 | 0 |
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0% |
4/10 | 0 |
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0% |
3/10 | 0 |
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0% |
2/10 | 0 |
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0% |
1/10 | 0 |
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0% |
5.0/5
85% scramble, 15% tramp.
Very steep all the way up but totally worth it for the views from the top. 6-8h is generous if you’re going at any sort of pace. Recommend the store at the bottom for generous scoops of well deserved ice cream ($3 2 scoops, $5 for 4!)
Reviewed over 6 years ago
5.0/5
Steep and tough, rocky climb up the Scotts Track.
6-8 hours return journey but the amazing view from above the bushline and at the peak makes it well worth the effort.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in November 2016
5.0/5
Not too difficult track with nice views (also in bad weather) and climbing parts.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in November 2016
4.0/5
Very, very steep but it is totally worth it cause you have a 360 degree view from the top.
Reviewed almost 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016
5.0/5
When good weather, there is a beautiful view over the snowy peaks of the Southern Alps.
Track passes a steep bush area, Kea followed me while I was walking and were sitting very close to me (nice parrots).
Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016
3.5/5
Probably the best track in Arthur's Pass.
Better to start from the steepest way to go downhill more easily. If the weather is clear, the view of the glacier is very nice.
Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in February 2016
4.5/5
Very good views with a lot of Kea.
The waterfall was very beautiful.
Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in February 2016
4.5/5
Expect up to 8 hours of tramping depending on your fitness level.
Pretty steep hike but the views and feel of accomplishment are worth it.
Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in January 2016
3.5/5
Really exhausting track!
Beautiful view at the top!
Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in January 2015
4.0/5
Good track, you climb a lot and you will feel exhausted after it!
Reviewed over 9 years ago and experienced in March 2014
4.0/5
A very hard track (1800 metres just climbing up) - after that a very nice view, going down was also very hard!
You must be fit.
Reviewed over 9 years ago and experienced in March 2014
5.0/5
85% scramble, 15% tramp.
Very steep all the way up but totally worth it for the views from the top. 6-8h is generous if you’re going at any sort of pace. Recommend the store at the bottom for generous scoops of well deserved ice cream ($3 2 scoops, $5 for 4!)
Reviewed over 6 years ago
5.0/5
Steep and tough, rocky climb up the Scotts Track.
6-8 hours return journey but the amazing view from above the bushline and at the peak makes it well worth the effort.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in November 2016
5.0/5
Not too difficult track with nice views (also in bad weather) and climbing parts.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in November 2016
4.0/5
Very, very steep but it is totally worth it cause you have a 360 degree view from the top.
Reviewed almost 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016
5.0/5
When good weather, there is a beautiful view over the snowy peaks of the Southern Alps.
Track passes a steep bush area, Kea followed me while I was walking and were sitting very close to me (nice parrots).
Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016
4.5/5
Expect up to 8 hours of tramping depending on your fitness level.
Pretty steep hike but the views and feel of accomplishment are worth it.
Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in January 2016
3.5/5
Probably the best track in Arthur's Pass.
Better to start from the steepest way to go downhill more easily. If the weather is clear, the view of the glacier is very nice.
Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in February 2016
4.5/5
Very good views with a lot of Kea.
The waterfall was very beautiful.
Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in February 2016
3.5/5
Really exhausting track!
Beautiful view at the top!
Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in January 2015
4.0/5
Good track, you climb a lot and you will feel exhausted after it!
Reviewed over 9 years ago and experienced in March 2014
4.0/5
A very hard track (1800 metres just climbing up) - after that a very nice view, going down was also very hard!
You must be fit.
Reviewed over 9 years ago and experienced in March 2014
4.5/5
An excellent and challenging 2 day trip with very steep or alternative flat climb to Avalanche Peak (both marked tracks) before reaching unmarked but not too difficult route over ridges and gravel pitches
, plenty of easy river crossings, amazing view, very good hut conditions (except for the wood fire oven).
Reviewed over 9 years ago and experienced in March 2014
5.0/5
The track is steep but doable with little children (have to be carried).
We had our 3year old with us and it was challenging but worth it. There was another family with a baby on the hill (half a year), much faster than us though...
Reviewed over 9 years ago
5.0/5
Very steep track up the mountain.
Amazing view from the top. Absolutely worth it.
Reviewed almost 10 years ago and experienced in April 2014
5.0/5
Great day walk if you are an adventurous mountaineer.
Very steep struggle all the way up and down, splendid views, fine weather only, nice Kea.
Reviewed almost 10 years ago and experienced in March 2014
4.5/5
The view is very beautiful all along the track.
You can meet some friendly Kea. It is not very long 6-7 hours.
Reviewed almost 10 years ago and experienced in March 2014
5.0/5
The finest day walk in the South Island.
The best alpine day loop on the island! Quite difficult and fatiguing but a nice 360 degree view at the summit!
Reviewed about 10 years ago and experienced in February 2014
5.0/5
Very hard, you need to be fit but amazing views over the mountains.
Reviewed about 10 years ago and experienced in February 2014
5.0/5
A tough hill, but when you got to the top, it's worth it !
Pick a clear day and go up!!
Reviewed over 10 years ago and experienced in January 2014
5.0/5
Very steep but the view was incredible!
Reviewed over 10 years ago and experienced in January 2014
4.0/5
Nice 360 degrees view over many hills with snow on the top.
We saw many Kea's which are really nice birds.
Reviewed over 10 years ago and experienced in January 2014
5.0/5
Track itself is exhausting.
But the summit peak is definitely worth it.
Reviewed over 11 years ago and experienced in February 2013
5.0/5
The peak is just amazing!
Can see a glacier from the top.
Reviewed over 11 years ago and experienced in February 2013
3.5/5
Not great hiking.
Very steep and more of a scramble. Good view points along the way. We did three and a half hours return. That was enough.
Reviewed almost 12 years ago and experienced in March 2012
4.5/5
Very steep and heavy, but absolutely worth it!
Great views.
Reviewed over 12 years ago
4.0/5
Very difficult/steep trek with climbing required up rocks/tree roots in some locations.
Track well marked and views from top were stunning.
Reviewed over 13 years ago and experienced in March 2011
4.0/5
Amazing track.
Only one day, have to go in very good weather without clouds!!
Reviewed over 13 years ago
4.5/5
Very nice, in parts a steep track with marvelous views on top of the mountain, magnificent southern beech forest.
Reviewed over 13 years ago