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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: -42.79637, 171.56047. 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
- 5 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 6 hr
- Track grade
- Advanced
- 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
Climb steeply up 760 m to Carroll Hut for good views (on fine days) down the Taramakau River to the West Coast.
This DOC directory entry covers Carroll Hut 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: 5 km return via same track
- Walking time: 6 hr
- DOC grade: Advanced
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
The track starts from the gravelled car parking area off of SH73. You will need to cross a creek at the beginning of the track, if it has been raining heavily this may not be possible.
The track climbs steeply through rātā/kāmahi forest and subalpine scrub. This leads on to tussock grasslands surrounding Carroll Hut on Kelly Range. On fine days there are good views from the saddle behind the hut, looking down the Taramakau River to the West Coast.
Side trip to Kellys Hill
A side trip to Kellys Hill can give great views out to the Tasman Sea on a fine day. It is an unmarked route from Carroll Hut to Kellys Hill, recommended only for experienced alpine trampers.
This route should only be attempted in good weather conditions as you will need good visibility to find your way. Bring navigational equipment with you as conditions can change rapidly.
Getting there
The track starts at Kellys Creek, 3 km north of Otira village on SH73.
Know before you go
Carroll Tops to Taipo Valley access washed out
Access to the Taipo Valley from the Carroll tops has been washed out in the lower sections of Seven Mile Stream, with the river cutting into the bank.
Travel now requires crossing Seven Mile Stream, which is uncrossable at high flows.
This track is for experienced trampers
It is steep and rugged. Stay on the track by following the orange markers. Share your plans with a trusted contact.
Be prepared for delays or an unexpected night out. Carry warm and waterproof clothes, an emergency shelter, spare food, a torch with extra batteries, a distress beacon, and a fully charged mobile phone.
Walking above the bushline
If you plan to go above the bushline, you need to seek advice from Arthur’s Pass Visitor Centre staff before going on your trip. There is no marked track above the bushline.
What to take
Take a compass and map, and know how to use them. Conditions can change rapidly and you may need these for navigation if visibility deteriorates.
Do not proceed above the bushline on to the open tops unless you have sturdy footwear, a waterproof parka and spare warm clothing including warm headwear and gloves.
Weather
Check the Arthur's Pass National Park weather forecast before you go. Walking above the bushline is recommended only in good weather conditions as you need good visibility to find your way. Above the bushline you are very exposed to the severity of the mountain weather.
If it is raining, stormy or there is low cloud around the mountains, there will probably be no views above the bushline. Conditions will be unpleasant at best and dangerous at worst.
Expect snow, ice and avalanche risk in winter
This track can be covered in snow in winter. When snow is present, you will need an ice axe, crampons, an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel, plus avalanche assessment skills.
One or more avalanche paths cross this track. Avalanches are more likely to cross the track during and after heavy snow or rain when there is already a lot of snow on the high mountains. The avalanche paths on this track are not marked.
You can find a video series, Avalanche Tips and Terms: From the forecast to the field, on the NZ Avalanche Advisory website
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.
