Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre is a Department of Conservation visitor centre in the village of Arthur's Pass, on State Highway 73 in the Southern Alps. It is staffed by DOC rangers with local knowledge of the park's walks, from short walks to multi-day hikes and the Great Walks. They advise on track conditions, weather and safety, and they handle hut and campsite bookings. They also share information on heritage sites, cycleways, maps and conservation projects. The park is home to the kea, the world's only alpine parrot, and the Great Spotted Kiwi, which is known as roroa.
We hear the visitor centre is being upgraded, and the rangers are working from across the road, next to Arthur's Pass Motel and Lodge, so check before you go. The rangers can talk through a walk to a nearby waterfall or a hike up an alpine peak. Visitors who want the local stories, legends and history of the park can get them here too. It suits anyone planning a walk or a hut stay in the park, from a first short track to a longer tramp.