Hope valley (Windy Point) tracks & routes

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

See: Doubtful valley tracks and walks

View the Lake Sumner and Lewis Pass access map

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, approximately 35 km after the turn-off to Hanmer Springs and 10 km before Boyle village. Windy Point has an off-road car park (leave vehicles at your own risk) and a swingbridge over the Boyle River.

Transport services

East West Coach Services run daily between Christchurch and Westport – 0800 142 622.

Atomic Shuttles run Christchurch to Nelson and Nelson to Christchurch daily.
Ph +64 3 3 349 0697; freephone 0508 108 359 www.atomictravel.co.nz

Further information and transport bookings can be made at
the Hanmer Springs i-SITE Visitor Centre.

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.