Lake Sumner Forest Park tramping tracks

Tramping track

Getting there

Lake Sumner Forest Park lies 100 km northwest of Christchurch between the Lewis Pass and Arthur’s Pass National Park.

To access Lake Sumner, take State Highway 7, turn off at Waikari to Hawarden, then follow Lake Sumner Road to Lake Taylor. The road beyond Lake Taylor is suitable for 4WD vehicles only. There is a locked gate at Loch Katrine. From November to June access through can be pre-arranged with the Department of Conservation’s Waimakariri Area Office; phone +64 3 313 0820. Please note that a maximum of ten vehicles are permitted beyond the gate at any time; booking is on a first come basis.

Bus - From Christchurch, Southern Link Transport and Lazerline Coaches run to Nelson, East West Coach Services run to Westport.

Description

Opportunities range from short and easy roadside strolls, to steep climbs above the bush line and valley walks taking several days

Note: Times are approximate and are one way only unless otherwise stated.True right and left banks of a river are determined when facing downstream.

Hope Kiwi Hut

Time: 5 - 6 hr

This track follows the Hope River from Windy Point to a 20 bunk hut. From here tracks lead to:

St Jacobs Hut 

Time: 1 hr easy travel up the Hope Valley and a further 2 - 2 hr 30 min to the Top Hope Hut.

Hurunui Hut

Time: 5 - 6 hr over Kiwi Saddle and around Lake Sumner.

Plan and prepare

What to expect on a tramping track:

• Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
• Track is mostly unformed with steep, rough or muddy sections
• Suitable for people with good fitness. Moderate to high level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
• Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
• Tramping/hiking boots required

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