Hope valley (Windy Point) tracks & routes
Located in Lake Sumner Forest Park in the Canterbury region
Introduction
Hope valley in Lake Sumner Forest Park is accessed at Windy Point, beside SH 7, about 160 km from Christchurch.Walking and tramping
Advanced: Tramping trackExpert: Route
Dog access
After crossing the swingbridge over the Boyle River, the first 500 m of track crosses through a public access easement over Poplars Station pastoral lease land before entering public conservation land. Keep to the track and do not disturb stock.
Hope Valley Track
Windy Point car park to Hope Halfway Hut
Time: 4 hr
After crossing the swingbridge over Boyle River, follow a vehicle track that climbs through mānuka and tussock. At the forest edge, pick up the track across terraces high above the riverbed. It eventually drops to the Hope Halfway Hut.
Hope Halfway Hut to Hope Kiwi Lodge
Time: 3 hr
From the hut the track goes through beech forest to reach the valley floor. Follow the poled track up the valley floor to Hope River swingbridge. From here the hut is 30 minutes away, via a poled route across open terraces and through sections of forest to Hope Kiwi Lodge.
Hope Valley Route
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 Man Route
This track links the Hope and Doubtful valleys. The new section of Te Araroa by SH7 now makes this a 2–3 day round trip. It can be walked in either direction, but is easier to start from Doubtful valley.
The tramp is recommended for experienced trampers; there are river crossings and the middle section over the Doubtful Range is rugged – the section from Pussy Stream to the ridge is very steep.
- St Jacobs Hut to junction with Lake Man Track junction – 1 hr
- Hope Valley route junction to Lake Man Biv – 4 hr
- Lake Man Biv to Doubtful Valley Track – 2 hr 30 min
- Doubtful Valley Track – Doubtful Hut – 1 hr
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 a swingbridge over the Boyle River.
Safety is your responsibility:
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Have the correct and the most up-to-date information
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Take a topographic map if going into more challenging country, i.e. something more than a tramping track.
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Always be prepared for sudden weather changes. Check the latest forecast, especially if any river crossings are required.
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Equip yourself well and prepare for the worst. Take enough food and water and the right clothing.
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Ensure someone else knows where you are going and when you plan to return.
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If staying in huts, fill in the intentions book. This may save your life.
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Dial 111 immediately for any fire emergency.
Stay safe in the outdoors
- Take the right gear for your trip: Walking and tramping gear lists.
- Tell a trusted person your plans and when to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned. Send them the information directly, or use the Outdoor Intentions form or Plan My Walk.
- Follow the five essential steps of the Land Safety Code.
Contacts
| Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 3 318 9211 |
| Email: | arthurspassvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
104 West Coast Road Arthur's Pass |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 51008 Arthur's Pass 7654 |
| Full office details | |