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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: -42.48412, 172.82141. 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
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 2 hr 30 min return via same track
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Hanmer Forest Park
- Dog access
- Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. 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 follows Chatterton River and provides views of Hanmer Basin.
This DOC directory entry covers Chatterton River Track in Canterbury, within Hanmer Forest 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 2 hr 30 min return via same track
- 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
Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Starting from the carpark the track follows Chatterton River to an old stock route. It then cuts across to the original Jacks Pass Bridle Track. Views of Hanmer Basin can be enjoyed. An alternative is to follow the old stock route all the way to Jacks Pass.
Return either by retracing the trail or walking down Clarence Valley Road Road to the township.
Getting there
Starting in Hanmer Springs leave the town following Jacks Pass Road.
After 2.2 km keep right to stay on Jacks Pass Road.
Continue on the road until the adventure camp.
Keep left and continue on the gravel road – the gate will be locked during hours of darkness.
After around 1 km you'll arrive at the start of the Chatterton River Track.
Know before you go
Entry to Hanmer Forest on foot is unrestricted except in times of fire danger or for public safety. Some tracks may be closed for harvesting operations – respect the signs.
A red flag flying outside the information centre and community hall indicate all tracks are closed because of extreme fire danger.
Report all suspicious fires immediately – call 111.
Wasp populations reach high numbers from January to March – wear light coloured clothing and carry antihistamine cream/tablets as a precaution.
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.
