By Outdoor Next Editorial standards
On this page
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: -42.70033, 171.99794. 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
- 21 km one way
- Walking time
- 7 hr 30 min
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Lake Sumner Forest 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 runs from Hurunui swing bridge to Harper Pass. It is popular for day walks or overnight stays in three huts. This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.
This DOC directory entry covers Harper Pass Track in Canterbury, within Lake Sumner 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: 21 km one way
- Walking time: 7 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.
- Harper Pass Track flood damage; First published on 19 November 2025. Last reviewed on 30 June 2026.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.
The eastern section of Harper Pass is described here from Hurunui swing bridge to Harper Pass. It is easy to follow, with bridges over all major rivers.
The full 4-5 day route over Harper Pass, from Aitken to Lewis Pass, should be walked from the West side, ie in the opposite direction to that described below. It involves three major river crossings. For more information, see Harper Pass Route.
Hurunui swing bridge to Hurunui Hut
Time: 30 min
An easy walk along a graded track through beech forest to Hurunui Hut.
Hurunui Hut to No. 3 Hut
Time: 4 hr
The track passes through sections of beech forest and crosses river flats, with some sections climbing up the side of the hill to get around the river. A hot spring is approximately 2 hours from Hurunui Hut. From the hot spring the track sidles through the forest and descends to matagouri flats where it is an easy walk to No. 3 Hut.
No. 3 Hut to Camerons Hut
Time: 1 hr
The track follows the river through red beech forest to Camerons Stream, which is crossed via a three-wire bridge. The track continues through the forest to Camerons Hut.
Camerons Hut to Harper Pass
Time: 2 hr
The track crosses grass sections and beech forest, climbing around gorges to avoid crossing the river. The summit of Harper Pass is approximately 45 minutes further on from the Harper Pass bivvy.
Getting there
Lake Sumner Forest Park lies 100 km northwest of Christchurch between Lewis Pass and Arthur’s Pass National Park.
To reach the park via Lake Sumner Road: take State Highway 7 at Waikari to Hawarden, then follow Lake Sumner Road to Lake Taylor. The road beyond Lake Taylor is suitable for 4WD vehicles only to Loch Katrine (camping area).
The 4WD track from Loch Katrine to the Hurunui swingbridge at the boundary of Lake Sumner Forest Park crosses Lakes Station land. There is a locked gate on road by Loch Katrine. There is no restriction for foot or mountain-bike access through this gate, but vehicle access must be gained from Lakes Station. DOC is unable to provide contact details.
It is around 9 km (2–3 hours walk) from Loch Katrine to the Hurunui swing bridge.
Know before you go
Safety is your responsibility:
Have the correct and the most up-to-date information
Take a topographic map if going into more challenging country, i.e. something more than a tramping track.
Always be prepared for sudden weather changes. Check the latest forecast, especially if any river crossings are required.
Equip yourself well and prepare for the worst. Take enough food and water and the right clothing.
Ensure someone else knows where you are going and when you plan to return.
If staying in huts, fill in the intentions book. This may save your life.
Dial 111 immediately for any fire emergency.
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.
