Devils Punchbowl Falls
Waterfall Cascade waterfall and scenic gorge in Canterbury
A waterfall in Canterbury Region reached by a short track through native bush; visitors come for forest walks and waterfall views.
Devils Punchbowl Falls is a waterfall in Arthur’s Pass National Park in the Canterbury Region of New Zealand. The falls drop approximately 131 metres and are a well-known roadside attraction on the South Island’s main alpine crossing.
A short walking track from the carpark on State Highway 73 leads to a viewing platform that overlooks the falls. The platform gives close views of the cascade and the surrounding alpine forest and cliff faces.
The waterfall is a natural erosional feature where streamflow has cut a vertical cleft in the rockface; visitor infrastructure such as the track and viewing platform was added to provide safe public access. The site has long been used by travellers on the Arthur’s Pass route as a stopping point.
The falls lie within Arthur’s Pass National Park on New Zealand’s South Island, alongside State Highway 73 between the east coast and the West Coast. Christchurch is the nearest major city to the east.
- Access: A purpose-built viewing platform and short walking track provide safe close views of the falls from the roadside on State Highway 73.
- Height: The waterfall has a vertical drop of about 131 metres, making it one of the taller single waterfalls accessible from a main road in the area.
How to Get to Devils Punchbowl Falls #
By car: follow State Highway 73 between Christchurch and the West Coast; the falls are signposted and a short walk from the roadside car park at Arthur’s Pass village. No public transit directly to the falls; local shuttle or guided tours operate from Christchurch.
Tips for Visiting Devils Punchbowl Falls #
- The viewing platform is a short, paved walk from the car park-wear ankle-supporting shoes; steps are steep and can be slippery when wet.
- Combine a visit with other Arthur's Pass sites on the same day; weather can change quickly in the Southern Alps.
- Bring layers and a waterproof jacket-mist from the falls and the alpine climate make conditions cool even in summer.
Best Time to Visit Devils Punchbowl Falls #
Summer and shoulder seasons are best for accessibility; watch the forecast for sudden alpine changes.
Weather & Climate near Devils Punchbowl Falls #
Devils Punchbowl Falls's climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -3°C to 19°C. Heavy rainfall (2908 mm/year), wettest in May.
January
January is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Heavy rain (243 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (170 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (190 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (400 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Heavy rain (313 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (182 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -2°C. Heavy rain (234 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (280 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (369 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Heavy rain (227 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (174 mm).
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