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: -43.18027, 171.55359. 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
- 18 km one way
- Walking time
- 7 hr 15 min
- Track grade
- Expert
- Location
- Craigieburn 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 leads up the Harper Valley. This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.
This DOC directory entry covers Harper Valley Track in Canterbury, within Craigieburn 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: 18 km one way
- Walking time: 7 hr 15 min
- DOC grade: Expert
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
This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.
Harper Valley Track begins on Harper Road, just after the bridge over Harper River. It leads up the true right of the valley until you reach the confluence of Avoca River and Harper River.
Cross Avoca River, then the track leads up Harper Valley, crossing the Harper River multiple times.
Near the confluence of Hamilton Creek and Harper River, Harper Valley Track meets the Cass-Lagoon Saddle Track. Follow this track for a short distance to reach Hamilton Hut.
Note: this is a different area to Harper Pass Route
Getting there
Harper Valley Track begins on Harper Road, just after the bridge over Harper River. It is about 120 from Christchurch, located near Lake Coleridge.
Know before you go
No bikes
No fires
No hunting
No camping (until on PCL)
Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams
If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.
Do not cross if the river or stream is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.
How to cross rivers safely
NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows
Check the weather forecast and pack for all weather
Check the forecast before you go (Lake Coleridge forecast). Always carry a raincoat and warm layers. This area gets hot in summer, so bring plenty of water and sun protection.
This is a remote area and it is easy to get cut off by flooded rivers, so carry an emergency shelter, spare food and a distress beacon.
Find a tramping packing list here
Expect wasps, especially in summer and early autumn
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.
