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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -42.91412, 171.55121. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 1.2 km one way
- Walking time
- 25 min
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Arthur's Pass National Park
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
This track ends at the Bealey River, the track is subject to avalanche hazard in winter past this point.
This DOC directory entry covers Bealey Valley Track in Canterbury, within Arthur's Pass National Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 1.2 km one way
- Walking time: 25 min
- DOC grade: Easy
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Time: 5 min to Bealey Chasm or 25 min to track end (both times one way).
From the car park opposite Jacks Hut, the track follows a short section of the Arthur's Pass Walking Track before branching off to cross Bealey Chasm – a narrow channel where the river cascades over huge boulders.
For stunning views of Mt Rolleston, continue on for a couple of minutes, climbing a hill to a snowgrass clearing. The track re-enters the beech forest and ends when you reach the Bealey River. This track is subject to avalanche hazard in winter past this point; please heed the warning signs.
Getting there
The walk starts from the car park opposite Jacks Hut in Arthurs Pass Village on SH 73, about 150 km from Christchurch.
Several bus services run between Christchurch and the West Coast daily, stopping at the village. The Tranzalpine scenic train journey also stops at Arthur's Pass.
Know before you go
Take warm clothing and raincoat, sunhat and sunscreen, something to eat and drink and strong footwear. Mountain weather can change quickly.
This track ends at the Bealey River, which is subject to avalanche hazard in the winter. Pay attention to the warning sign at the end of the track, as avalanches have been known to reach this point.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
