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Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 5 hr 30 min
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- St James Conservation Area
- 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
Fowlers Pass (1296 m) connects Tophouse Road with Stanley Vale and Lake Guyon huts in the St James Conservation Area.
This DOC directory entry covers Fowlers Pass Track in Canterbury, within St James Conservation Area. 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: 5 hr 30 min
- 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.
- Tophouse Road washout detour; First published on 5 November 2025. Last reviewed on 31 July 2026.
Dog access
Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Fowlers Pass (1296 m) connects the car park on Tophouse Road with Stanley Vale and Lake Guyon huts, St James Conservation Area. It also links to the St James Cycle Trail.
This marked track has river crossings, scree slopes and a variety of gradients. Note that particuarly in winter, snow can make travel difficult and the area is prone to avalanches.
Note: This was previously the location of historic Fowlers Hut which burned down in August 2026.
Car park to Stanley Vale Hut
Time: 4 hrDistance: 12 km
Stanley Vale Hut to Lake Guyon Hut
Time: 1 hr 30 minDistance: 4 km
Getting there
From Hanmer Springs take Clarence Valley Road over Jacks Pass to connect with Tophouse Road (about 13 km from Hanmer Springs). This road follows the eastern boundary of St James Conservation Area.
Know before you go
While access into St James is relatively easy, this remains a remote backcountry area. There is no cell phone coverage. Before your trip ensure you have:
Checked the latest forecast
Left your intentions with someone
A PLB (personal locator beacon) or mountain radio
Enough warm clothing to spend the night out if you have to.
Avalanches
Avalanches can occur every year when there is snow in the mountains. Most occur during winter storms or in spring/early summer when warmer temperatures or rain make the snow unstable. Even if you can not see snow from the track there may be enough snow out of sight on upper slopes to form an avalanche that could reach the track.
Fowlers Pass Track is challenging avalanche terrain.
Topo maps
NZTopo50 map sheet: BT24
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.
