Hurunui swingbridge tracks & routes
Located in Lake Sumner Forest Park in the Canterbury region
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Introduction
Several tracks start from Hurunui swingbridge at the end of Lake Sumner Road, which is a 4WD track from Loch Katrine onwards. Vehicle access through a locked gate requires getting permission from Lakes Station.Walking and tramping
Advanced: Tramping trackExpert: Route
Dog access
Several tracks can be started from Hurunui swingbridge at the end of Lake Sumner Road, including the very popular Harper Pass trip, which crosses the Southern Alps into Arthur's Pass National Park.
Hope Kiwi Track
This track goes from the Hurunui swingbridge to Windy Point.
Hurunui swingbridge - Hope Kiwi Lodge (via Kiwi Saddle)
Time: 4 hr 30 min
From the swingbridge, follow the 4WD track to the forest edge where it climbs easily to Three Mile Stream. Cross the stream, then climb steadily to Kiwi Saddle through red beech forest.
Just before the saddle there is a two-minute side track to a lookout across the lake. From the saddle descend to the swampy grasslands of Kiwi valley. Pick up a 4WD track on the true right of Kiwi River across open grasslands to Hope Kiwi Lodge.
Hope Kiwi Lodge to Hope Halfway Hut
Time: 3 hr
Follow the poled route from Hope Kiwi Lodge along the forest edge to the Hope River swingbridge about 30 minutes from the hut. The track follows down broad grassy flats before returning to the forest. The track leaves the river and climbs the bank to Hope Halfway Hut.
Hope Halfway Hut to Windy Point car park (SH7)
Time: 4 hr
The track keeps to the beech forest on terraces high above the riverbed. At the forest edge a vehicle track descends through mānuka and tussock to the swingbridge over the Boyle River gorge. Five minutes down a shingle road is the shelter and car park at Windy Point, beside SH 7.
Harper Pass Route
The route is described here from Hurunui swingbridge to Harper Pass. The full 4-5 day route over Harper Pass, from Aitken to Lewis Pass, should be walked from the West side, ie in the opposite direction to that described below. For more information, see Harpers Pass Route
Hurunui swingbridge to Hurunui Hut
Time: 30 min
An easy walk along a graded track through beech forest to Hurunui Hut.
Hurunui Hut to No. 3 Hut
Time: 4 hr
The track passes through sections of beech forest and crosses river flats, with some sections climbing up the side of the hill to get around the river. A hot spring is approximately 2 hours from Hurunui Hut. From the hot spring the track sidles through the forest and descends to matagouri flats where it is an easy walk to No. 3 Hut.
No. 3 Hut to Camerons Hut
Time: 1 hr
The track follows the river through red beech forest to Camerons Stream, which is crossed via a three-wire bridge. The track continues through the forest to Camerons Hut.
Camerons Hut to Harper Pass
Time: 2 hr
The track crosses grass sections and beech forest, climbing around gorges to avoid crossing the river. The summit of Harper Pass is approximately 45 minutes further on from the Harper Pass bivvy.
Three Mile Stream Track
Hurunui Swingbridge to Three Mile Stream Hut
Time: 4 hr 30 min
From the swingbridge travel up McMillan Stream on gravel flats and forest terraces, criss-crossing the streambed as needed. The track then leaves the stream to climb to a low saddle and then descends to the top flats of Three Mile Stream. Three Mile Stream Hut is further down the flats.
Three Mile Stream Hut to Hope Kiwi Lodge
Time: 3 hr
The start of the track is well signposted down the flats. It climbs steadily to a low bush saddle and passes swampy clearings to reach Parakeet Stream. The track makes a gradual descent to Hope Kiwi Lodge.
Three Mile Stream Route
Three Mile Stream Hut to junction with Hope Kiwi Track
Time: 3 hr 30 min
From Three Mile Stream Hut follow the poled route downstream. Then pick up the track through bush (marked with orange triangles) where it climbs above the gorge and then descends to join the Hope Kiwi Track.
Mackenzie Stream Route
Hurunui Hut to Mackenzie Hut
Time: 5 hr
The Mackenzie Stream Route leaves the Harper Pass Track about 1 hour from Hurunui Hut.
The turn-off is signposted approximately opposite the junction with Mackenzie Stream and Hurunui River. You will need to make your own crossing over the Hurunui River so this may not be possible when the river is high.
Cross the river flats to Mackenzie Stream and follow it up on the true right. This section is not marked until you enter the forest. Along the route there is a hot spring where a pool big enough for two has been constructed.
Lake Sumner Forest Park lies 100 km northwest of Christchurch between Lewis Pass and Arthur’s Pass National Park.
To reach the park via Lake Sumner Road: take State Highway 7 at Waikari to Hawarden, then follow Lake Sumner Road to Lake Taylor. The road beyond Lake Taylor is suitable for 4WD vehicles only to Loch Katrine (camping area).
The 4WD track from Loch Katrine to the Hurunui swingbridge at the boundary of Lake Sumner Forest Park crosses Lakes Station land. There is a locked gate on road by Loch Katrine. There is no restriction for foot or mountain-bike access through this gate, but vehicle access must be gained from Lakes Station.
It is around 9 km (2–3 hours walk) from Loch Katrine to the Hurunui swingbridge.
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 | |