Hope Kiwi Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

The track goes from the Hurunui swing bridge to Windy Point, and on to Hope Kiwi Lodge. This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.

This DOC directory entry covers Hope Kiwi 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: 33 km one way
• Walking time: 18 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.

• Fallen trees on Hope Kiwi - Jollie Brook Route; First published on 30 August 2026.

• Slip on Hope Kiwi Track; First published on 8 August 2026.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.

Hurunui swing bridge - Hope Kiwi Lodge (via Kiwi Saddle)

Time: 4 hr 30 min

From the swing bridge, follow the 4WD track to the forest edge where it climbs easily to Three Mile Stream. Cross the stream, then climb steadily to Kiwi Saddle through red beech forest.

Just before the saddle there is a two-minute side track to a lookout across the lake. From the saddle descend to the swampy grasslands of Kiwi valley. Pick up a 4WD track on the true right of Kiwi River across open grasslands to Hope Kiwi Lodge.

Hope Kiwi Lodge to Hope Halfway Hut

Time: 3 hr

Follow the poled route from Hope Kiwi Lodge along the forest edge to the Hope River swingbridge about 30 minutes from the hut. The track follows down broad grassy flats before returning to the forest. The track leaves the river and climbs the bank to Hope Halfway Hut.

Hope Halfway Hut to Windy Point car park (SH7)

Time: 4 hr

The track keeps to the beech forest on terraces high above the riverbed. At the forest edge a vehicle track descends through mānuka and tussock to the swingbridge over the Boyle River gorge. Five minutes down a shingle road is the shelter and car park at Windy Point, beside SH 7.

After crossing the swingbridge over the Boyle River, the first 500 m of track crosses through a public access easement over Poplars Station pastoral lease land before entering public conservation land. Keep to the track and do not disturb stock.

Windy Point car park to Hope Halfway Hut

Time: 4 hr

After crossing the swingbridge over Boyle River, follow a vehicle track that climbs through mānuka and tussock. At the forest edge, pick up the track across terraces high above the riverbed. It eventually drops to the Hope Halfway Hut.

Hope Halfway Hut to Hope Kiwi Lodge

Time: 3 hr

From the hut the track goes through beech forest to reach the valley floor. Follow the poled track up the valley floor to Hope River swingbridge. From here the hut is 30 minutes away, via a poled route across open terraces and through sections of forest to Hope Kiwi Lodge.

From Hope Kiwi Lodge, you can access the Hope Pass Track.

Getting there

Lake Sumner Forest Park lies 100 km northwest of Christchurch between the 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 swingbridge.

Access to Hope valley is from Windy Point, off SH 7. Around 35 km after the turn-off to Hanmer Springs and 10 km before Boyle village. Windy Point has an off-road carpark and a swingbridge over the Boyle River.

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.