Located in Lake Sumner Forest Park in the Canterbury region
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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 |