Pros & cons
PROS
- Unobstructed views of the Otira Viaduct and valley
- Kea often visit—fun for photos if you keep your distance
- Interpretive panels that explain the road’s engineering story
CONS
- No toilets on site
- Small car park that fills quickly and is tight for larger vehicles
Overview
A quick, high‑reward stop on SH73, Death's Corner Lookout puts you above the Otira Viaduct with sweeping views of the Otira River and surrounding peaks. Two fenced platforms make it simple to hop out, take it all in, and be back on the road in minutes.
What You’ll See
- The viaduct arcing across the valley with trucks and cars far below.
- Active scree slopes tumbling off nearby peaks, adding drama to the scene.
- On moody days, fog and cloud threads that make the gorge look theatrical.
Wildlife
Kea—the clever alpine parrots—regularly patrol the railings and car park. They’re entertaining and photogenic, but keep food packed away and watch your vehicle; these birds love nibbling on rubber trim and wipers. Never feed them.
Logistics
The lookout is clearly signposted as “Otira Viaduct Lookout / Deaths Corner,” a short drive west of Arthur’s Pass village. Expect a small sealed pull‑off with space for roughly half a dozen cars, two fenced viewpoints, and no facilities. It’s open all hours, but this alpine highway can see fast‑changing weather; wind, rain, and low cloud are common. People typically spend about 10 minutes here.
A Bit of History & Engineering
This corridor has always been demanding. Stagecoaches crossed the Southern Alps here from 1886 to 1923, and the old road below was notorious for slips and rockfall. The Otira Viaduct, opened in 1999, bypassed the most dangerous section; parts of the former approach were reworked into today’s lookout.
Best Time to Visit
Early or late in the day brings softer light, fewer cars, and a better chance of kea activity. Midday—especially on weekends—gets busiest. Clear days deliver the classic postcard view; misty conditions can be equally striking if you’re patient.
Where it is
-42.8882, 171.5561Tips for Death's Corner Lookout
- 01Arrive early or late to snag a park and better light.
- 02Do not feed kea and protect car rubber—fold wipers down if you can.
- 03There are no toilets here; use facilities in Arthur’s Pass village.
- 04Check SH73 road conditions before you go—closures and convoys happen in bad weather.
Amenities
Near Death's Corner Lookout
All places →All trails →
0.7 mi awayOtira Valley TrackShort alpine valley walk to a photogenic bridge and big peaksParking · Trailhead
0.7 mi awayOtira Valley FootbridgeAlpine river footbridge with big views up Ōtira ValleyScenic Viewpoint
0.7 mi awayOtira Valley TrackShort alpine valley to a tiny bridge with big Southern Alps viewsModerate · 2.3 mi · 1.5 hr
0.7 mi awayMt Philistine via Otira ValleyShort approach, big alpine punch: bluffs, scree, and glacier viewsChallenging · 5.5 mi · 7 hr
0.7 mi awayOtira Valley Car Park Picnic AreaBare-bones trailhead with big alpine views and DIY picnic spotsTrailhead · Parking
1 mi awayArthur's Pass SummitSummit lookout and Dobson Memorial via an easy alpine strollTrailhead · Parking
1.7 mi awayTemple Basin TrackShort, steep climb to big alpine views and a quirky ski basin shelterModerate · 3.1 mi · 2.8 hr
2.2 mi awayMt Cassidy–Blimit TraverseSteep alpine ridge day linking Mt Cassidy and Blimit via Temple Basin.Challenging · 9.3 mi · 10 hr
