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Timaru Walking Tracks

Aoraki/Mount Cook Village tramping tracks
There are two day tramps in the Aoraki/Mount Cook area: the Ball Shelter Hut in the Tasman Valley, and the Sealy Trans track off the Kea Point walk above the village.
Category:  Tramping track

Aoraki/Mount Cook Village walking tracks
There are several walks around the village that provide views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the surrounding native alpine bush and area.
Category:  Walking track

Arthur’s Pass day walks
Day walks in Arthur’s Pass National Park offer moderate or demanding climbs to the bushline and beyond.
Category:  Tramping track

Arthur’s Pass half-day walks
Half-day walks in Arthur’s Pass National Park take about 3 – 4 hours return, exploring alpine valleys or basins.
Category:  Tramping track

Arthur’s Pass short walking tracks
Short walks on Arthur’s Pass walking tracks range from a 10 minute waterfall walk, to a 1.5 hour forest walk.
Category:  Walking track

Arthur’s Pass: Andrews – Poulter tramping track
Arthur’s Pass Route Guide 10 – Andrews – Poulter. This is a pleasant 2 day tramp, crossing easy saddles on well-defined tracks through open mountain beech forest.
Category:  Tramping track
Completion Time:  2 days

Arthur’s Pass: Avalanche Peak – Crow River route
Arthur’s Pass Route Guide 5 – Avalanche Peak – Crow River. This route makes a good weekend trip back-dropped by some of the best features of Arthur�s Pass National Park – glaciers, mountain peaks and ice-fed rivers.
Category:  Route
Completion Time:  2 days

Arthur’s Pass: Avalanche Peak route
Arthur’s Pass Route Guide 13. Many people have enjoyed this mountain climb offering panoramic views of the Southern Alps. However, some have met with tragedy because they did not realise the possible dangers of this route.
Category:  Route
Completion Time:  6 – 8 hr

Arthur’s Pass: Carrington Hut – Waimakariri Col – Otira route
Arthur’s Pass Route Guide 2 – Carrington Hut – Waimakariri Col – Otira. The route over Waimakariri Col to the Rolleston River is a rugged 2-3 day alpine tramp. An ice-axe and crampons are essential.
Category:  Route
Completion Time:  2 – 3 days

Arthur’s Pass: Carrington Hut route
Arthur’s Pass Route Guide 1 – Carrington Hut. This route up the braided river-bed of the Waimakariri leads to a comfortable hut situated below the park�s highest peaks. Carrington Hut is a good base for exploring the upper Waimakariri catchment.
Category:  Route
Completion Time:  2 days return

Arthur’s Pass: Edwards – Hawdon route
Arthur’s Pass Route Guide 8 – Edwards – Hawdon. This interesting route takes you through spectacular rock-fall, past mountain tarns and over two alpine passes. Rivers are not bridged.
Category:  Route
Completion Time:  3 days

Arthur’s Pass: Edwards – Otehake route
Arthur’s Pass Route Guide 7 – Edwards – Otehake. A transalpine route that mixes the best of east with the wilds of the west.
Category:  Route
Completion Time:  2 – 3 days

Arthur’s Pass: Harman Pass route
Arthur’s Pass Route Guide 3 – Harman Pass. This route takes you from the open east-coast river flats over a rugged, untracked alpine pass into the rainforest of the Taipo River.
Category:  Route
Completion Time:  3 – 4 days

Arthur’s Pass: Harper Pass route
Arthur’s Pass Route Guide 11 – Harper Pass. Harper Pass was the main pathway to and from the west coast for Maori when trading for pounamu (greenstone). It is described here from west to east.
Category:  Route
Completion Time:  4-5 days

Arthur’s Pass: Minchin Pass route
Arthur’s Pass Route Guide 9 – Minchin Pass. This route travels the eastern and northern flanks of the park. The sections through the upper Minchin Stream and Townsend Creek are more adventurous.
Category:  Route
Completion Time:  3 – 4 days

Arthur’s Pass: Mingha – Deception route
Arthur’s Pass Route Guide 6 – Mingha – Deception. This route is a classic east-west traverse of the southern alps, crossing over Goat Pass.
Category:  Route
Completion Time:  2 – 3 days

Arthur’s Pass: Three Passes route
Arthur’s Pass Route Guide 4 – Three Passes. This classic summer route crosses Harman Pass, Whitehorn Pass and Browning Pass/Noti Raureka.
Category:  Route
Completion Time:  4 – 5 days

Ball Pass Crossing
Ball Pass Crossing is a demanding two to three-day alpine route, crossing the Mount Cook Range between the Hooker and Tasman Valleys.
Category:  Route
Alert:  Ball Shelter is closed until further notice. Ball Pass is best attempted between the months of December to March. Snow cover limits travel outside this season, and avalanches can occur at any time of the year.

Banks Peninsula tramping tracks
Tramping tracks around Banks Peninsula provide a challenging day or multi-day tramp. They are suitable for people with moderate to high level backcountry skills and experience as tracks may be rough and steep.
Category:  Tramping track

Banks Peninsula walking tracks
Walking times for tracks around Banks Peninsula range from 10 minutes to several hours, with walks suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities.
Category:  Walking track

Benmore Range access track
Walkers will enjoy the walk along the access easement up to the Benmore Range Conservation Area.
Category:  Tramping track

Bob�s Camp Bivouac Route
Wooded Gully and Ridge walking tracks lead to this unmarked route to Bob’s Camp Bivvy.
Category:  Route
Completion Time:  5 hr one way

Cass – Lagoon Saddle tramping track
Cass – Lagoon Saddle in Craigieburn Forest Park is a two-day round trip suitable for fit, moderately experienced and equipped parties.
Category:  Tramping track
Completion Time:  2 – 3 days

Cave Stream Scenic Reserve tracks & cave walk
A 594 metre long cave carved into limestone is the major feature of this reserve, with short walks to each entrance.
Category:  Short walk
Distance:  Cave is 594 m long
Completion Time:  Cave walk takes 1 hr

Christchurch – Little River Railtrail
This 44 km-long walkway and cycleway, when completed, will run from Hornby (Christchurch) to Little River on the Banks Peninsula.
Category:  Walking track
Distance:  27 km

Craigieburn Forest Park tramping tracks
Day walks for more experienced trampers in Cragieburn Forest Park cross saddles and follow ridgelines.
Category:  Tramping track

Craigieburn Forest Park walking tracks
Short walks in Craigieburn Forest Park range from a 20 minute nature walk to a 3-4 hour walk to the top of Helicopter Hill.
Category:  Walking track

Devilskin Saddle route
Attractive Nina Valley near Lewis Pass has one hut and a bivvy, and good swimming holes in the river. From Nina Hut walk out via Devilskin Saddle and Sylvia Tops to complete an excellent weekend round-trip.
Category:  Route
Completion Time:  2 days

Glentui tramping tracks
There are several full-day walks that start at the Glentui picnic area. You can mountain bike on the Blowhard Track.
Category:  Tramping track
Alert:  Be aware of slips and windfalls in the beech forests.

Glentui walking tracks
Glentui Loop Track nature trail and Glentui Waterfall Track start at the Glentui picnic area.
Category:  Walking track
Alert:  Be aware of slips and windfalls in the beech forests.

Godley Head walking tracks
The Godley Head WWII coastal defence battery sits atop sheer 120 metre-high cliffs. A network of walkways let you explore the site’s historic and scenic attractions.
Category:  Walking track

Grey River Nature Trail
Beginning at the northern end of Grey River picnic area, this walk is particularly suitable for family groups. A highlight is the sight of oyster shells embedded in a bank 700 metres above sea level.
Category:  Short walk
Completion Time:  1 hr return
Alert:  Be aware of slips and windfalls in the beech forests.

Hanmer Forest short walks
Short and easy walks in Hanmer Forest range from a 5 minute amble from the picnic area to a one hour return walk to a lookout.
Category:  Short walk
Completion Time:  Range from 5 min to 1 hr return

Hanmer Forest tramping tracks
Tramping tracks in Hanmer Forest range in length from half-day to full-day trips, featuring forest and waterfalls and climbs to the alpine zone.
Category:  Tramping track
Completion Time:  Range from 3 – 6 hr return

Hanmer Forest walking tracks
Walking tracks in Hanmer Forest range in length from 1.5 – 2.5 hours return trips featuring forest and waterfalls.
Category:  Walking track
Completion Time:  Range from 1 hr 30 min – 2 hr 30 min return

Korowai/Torlesse Tussocklands Park routes
All these trips are routes only � unmarked and suitable for fit, experienced and well-equipped people.
Category:  Route

Lake Man tramping track & route
Experienced adventurers can explore the route to Lake Man, a mountain tarn at 1500m near Lewis Pass highway. Start your trip from the Boyle River valley
Category:  Route
Completion Time:  2 – 3 days

Lake Sumner & Lewis Pass routes
Remote high country lakes, beech-clad mountains, wide rivers and hot springs complete this picturesque landscape making these Lake Sumner and Lewis Pass routes a tramper�s mecca.
Category:  Route

Lake Sumner Forest Park tramping tracks
Remote high country lakes, beech-clad mountains, wide rivers and hot springs complete this picturesque landscape making it a tramper�s mecca.
Category:  Tramping track

Lake Tekapo Walkway
The Lake Tekapo Walkway provides opportunity to enjoy the environment and magnificent scenery from a number of vantage points around Lake Tekapo.
Category:  Walking track

Lewis Pass – Waiau Pass – Blue Lake route
Waiau Pass is an alpine crossing suitable for experienced parties only, linking Lewis Pass and Nelson Lakes National Park.
Category:  Route
Distance:  52.5 km
Completion Time:  4 – 5 days

Lewis Pass short walks
Short walks in the Lewis Pass feature waterfalls, view points and tarns.
Category:  Short walk

Lewis Pass tramping tracks
Tramps in the Lewis Pass region range from steep but short climbs above the bushline, to valley walks taking several days.
Category:  Tramping track

Mackenzie Basin routes
The Mackenzie Basin is the largest inter-montane (between mountains) basin in New Zealand. Marked routes in Ahuriri and Ruataniwha conservation parks are suitable for experienced trampers.
Category:  Route

Mackenzie Basin short walks
There are a number of short walks in the Mackenzie Basin, including Ahuriri and Ruataniwha conservation parks.
Category:  Short walk
Completion Time:  Various from 10 min to 2 hr return

Mackenzie Basin tramping tracks
There are a number of tramps described in the Mackenzie Basin, including those in Ahuriri and Ruataniwha conservation parks.
Category:  Tramping track

Mackenzie Basin day walking tracks
There are a number of walking tracks in the Mackenzie Basin, including those in Ahuriri and Ruataniwha conservation parks.
Category:  Walking track
Completion Time:  Various from 2 hr to 5 hr return

Mt Grey/Maukatere walking tracks
Learn about two walks you take on the slopes of Mt Grey/Maukatere.
Category:  Walking track
Alert:  The access gate will be locked in periods of high fire risk.

Mt Oxford Forest tramping tracks
Tramping tracks in Mt Oxford Forest include a climb to the summit of Mt Oxford and offer a choice of routes to Black Hill Hut.
Category:  Tramping track
Alert:  Be aware of slips and windfalls in the beech forests.

Mt Oxford Forest walking tracks
The various access points to Mt Oxford Forest are linked by a series of walking tracks, including the Wharfedale track which is also a mountain bike track.
Category:  Walking track
Alert:  Be aware of slips and windfalls in the beech forests.

Mt Somers easy tramping tracks
From taking a 45-minute walk on the Sidewinder Track to hiking three hours to reach Pinnacles Hut, there are a number of easy tracks to be found at Mt Somers.
Category:  Great Walk/Easy tramping track

Mt Somers tramping tracks
Find out about tramping tracks available in Mt Somers, including the track to the summit.
Category:  Tramping track

Mt Somers walking tracks
At Mt Somers you can take a leisurely walk on a nature trail or walk into Sharplin Falls.
Category:  Walking track

Mt Thomas walking tracks
The walking tracks of Mt Thomas give you options ranging from one hour family-friendly round trips to longer walks to the summit of Mt Thomas.
Category:  Walking track
Alert:  Be aware of slips and windfalls in the beech forests.

Mueller Hut Route
At 1800 metres on the Sealy Range (nearly half as high as Aoraki/Mount Cook�s summit), the Mueller Hut provides a 360-degree panorama encompassing glaciers, ice cliffs, vertical rock faces and New Zealand�s highest peaks.
Category:  Route
Distance:  5.2 km

Otamahua/Quail Island tracks
This walk takes in historic sites such as the ships’ graveyard and the quarantine barracks, as well as swimming and waterskiing beaches and a bird-watching barricade.
Category:  Walking track
Distance:  4.5 km
Completion Time:  2 hr 30 min for complete island circuit

Otukaikino walk
This boardwalk loop through a wetland reserve in Christchurch city is suitable for people of all ages and abilities, and is accessible to wheelchairs and children’s buggies.
Category:  Easy access walk
Distance:  1.2 km
Completion Time:  30 min

Peak Hill route
The climb to the top of Peak Hill rewards walkers with sweeping views of Lake Coleridge and its surrounds. The walk is extremely exposed to the weather and walkers should be well equipped.
Category:  Route
Completion Time:  3 hr return

Peel Forest Park easy access tracks
Discover the 30-minute Big Tree Walk, at Peel Forest.
Category:  Easy access walk
Distance:  870 metres
Completion Time:  20 min

Peel Forest Park routes
Learn about routes within Peel Forest Park that are recommended only for experienced and well-equipped trampers.
Category:  Route

Peel Forest Park tramping tracks
In Peel Forest Park you can follow a tramping track to Emily Falls, Rata Falls or the summit of Little Mt Peel.
Category:  Tramping track

Peel Forest Park walking tracks
Enjoy one of the many walking tracks available in Peel Forest Park.
Category:  Walking track

Pinchgut Track via the Okuku River
This tramping track takes you to Pinchgut Hut via the Okuku River.
Category:  Tramping track
Completion Time:  3-5 hours one way

St James Walkway
Located partly within the Lewis Pass National Reserve and meandering through pastoral and forested country, the St James Walkway takes a leisurely five days to complete.
Category:  Tramping track
Distance:  66 km
Completion Time:  5 days

Tasman Valley walking tracks
The Tasman Glacier, 29 km long and up to 3 km wide can be viewed from the short walks that start from the Blue Lakes Shelter.
Category:  Walking track

Twizel River Trail
Twizel River Trail is located opposite Twizel township area on the eastern side of SH8. There are wonderful views of the Mackenzie Basin mountains along the trail.
Category:  Easy access walk
Distance:  24 km return
Completion Time:  5-6 hr return

Walks for families near Geraldine
These short walks in and around the mid-Canterbury township of Geraldine are ideal for families.
Category:  Short walk
Distance:  400 – 800 m
Completion Time:  30 min – 1 hr return

Walks for families in Aoraki
These short walks in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park are suitable for people of all ages and abilities.
Category:  Short walk
Completion Time:  30 min – 1 hr

Walks for families in Twizel Te Manahuna area
These family-friendly easy walks are suitable for people of all abilities and can be accessed by wheelchairs and children’s buggies.
Category:  Easy access walk
Distance:  1 km
Completion Time:  10 – 20 min

Walks for families in Arthur’s Pass
These family-friendly short walks in Arthur’s Pass National Park are all suitable for people of all ages and abilities, including young children, and can be accessed by mountain-buggies.
Category:  Short walk