Follow Hope Kiwi Track to get to Hope Kiwi Lodge, the starting point for the Hope Pass Track. 

Hope Kiwi Lodge to St Jacobs Hut

Time: 1 hr 30 min

From Hope Kiwi Lodge, follow the track back to the Hope swingbridge (approximately 45 minutes). From here a signposted track follows the Hope River upstream along an old 4WD track for approximately 45 minutes to reach the hut.

St Jacobs Hut to Top Hope Hut

Time: 2 hr

Continue up the valley along the 4WD track across open river flats until the track climbs into bush to avoid crossing the river. Stay on the true right to reach Top Hope Hut (basic 6-bunk hut; no charge).

There is a hot spring about 1 hour 30 minutes further upstream from Top Hope Hut. Walk up the Hope River for about an hour to the junction with Hot Spring Stream, then another 30 minutes up the stream to the hot spring itself.

Top Hope Hut to Hope Pass

Time: 3 hr 30 min

Follow an old 4WD track from the hut up the Hope River to the junction with Hot Spring Stream. From here follow the poled route upstream, crossing river flats, sections of beech forest and swampy clearings to reach Hope Pass.

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

Access to Hope valley is from Windy Point, off SH 7. Around 35 km after the turn-off to Hanmer Springs and 10 km before Boyle village. Windy Point has an off-road carpark and the Hurunui swing bridge over the Boyle River.

Safety is your responsibility:

• Have the correct and the most up-to-date information
• Take a topographic map if going into more challenging country, i.e. something more than a tramping track.
• Always be prepared for sudden weather changes. Check the latest forecast, especially if any river crossings are required.
• Equip yourself well and prepare for the worst. Take enough food and water and the right clothing.
• Ensure someone else knows where you are going and when you plan to return.
• If staying in huts, fill in the intentions book. This may save your life.
• Dial 111 immediately for any fire emergency.