Arthur's Pass Area

Walkopedia friend Anthony Fawcett says:

"Why Arthur's Pass?

The village is spectacular.  Nestled in a valley in the middle of the Southern Alps, it is New Zealand's highest altitude settlement.  It can be accessed by road or by train and it has decent places to stay.  Choice of restaurants is more limited but sufficiently good to meet most tastes. The only warning is to take care with timing if you are planning to eat late.  The town is relatively remote and the main restaurant (the Wobbly Kea) closes its kitchen quite early (8 p.m., or 9 p.m. on a weekend), so if you are on the road and intend to eat on arrival, plan accordingly. 

Arthur's Pass is a perfect destination for one-day hikers who do not have the time/desire to spend longer out on the trail but who still want some of the most beautiful and challenging tramping that the country can offer. (And who would also do well to purchase this book: http://www.pottonandburton.co.nz/store/day-walks-in-new-zealand which I would highly recommend.)

You are surrounded by mountains and can step out straight onto a trail; there's no need to stay in huts.  (Although, having said that, the trails discussed here could be converted into more adventurous experiences if that's what you want.)  I missed not waking up in the middle of the bush, but that was counter-balanced by the knowledge that there was a hot shower, fresh linen and decent food waiting for me at the end of the day.  I've tramped all over NZ, both on the North and South Islands, and I don't know of a place that can provide better access to so many enjoyable trails in such close proximity.

Arthur's Pass is the only tourist spot in NZ within a great spotted kiwi/roroa habitat - it's  possible that you might see one, although they are very shy.

The Trails

I stayed three nights, arriving in the evening and then walking three tracks over the next two days - Avalanche Peak, Bealey Spur (south of Arthur's Pass) and Otira Valley. (There are many other options so this is, by necessity, a partial survey!)

Of these, Avalanche Peak is a must if you only have one full day, do this trail.  However, Otira Valley was unexpectedly enjoyable as well. This would be my second choice.  Bealey Spur is also great, but access is some way south of the village and the trail itself does not match the beauty of the other two. (Although it's also worth noting that weather conditions are very localized in this region - Bealey Spur receives a lot less rainfall - so if conditions are not good in the village itself, head for this trail.)

Make sure that you check in at the DOC before you set off (do it before you hit the Avalanche Peak trail which can be accessed direct from the carpark beside the DOC office).  It's a region prone to avalanches and rapid changes in weather."

Walkopedia says: Thank you, Anthony.

Other recommendations are welcome!

Have a look at TripAdvisor - there are tens of millions of reviews, so you may get good, current views on this walk.