Hope Pass Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This route runs from Hope Kiwi Lodge to Hope Pass.

This DOC directory entry covers Hope 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: 16 km one way
• Walking time: 7 hr
• 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

Follow Hope Kiwi Track to get to Hope Kiwi Lodge, the starting point for the Hope Pass Track.

Hope Kiwi Lodge to St Jacobs Hut

Time: 1 hr 30 min

From Hope Kiwi Lodge, follow the track back to the Hope swingbridge (approximately 45 minutes). From here a signposted track follows the Hope River upstream along an old 4WD track for approximately 45 minutes to reach the hut.

St Jacobs Hut to Top Hope Hut

Time: 2 hr

Continue up the valley along the 4WD track across open river flats until the track climbs into bush to avoid crossing the river. Stay on the true right to reach Top Hope Hut (basic 6-bunk hut; no charge).

There is a hot spring about 1 hour 30 minutes further upstream from Top Hope Hut. Walk up the Hope River for about an hour to the junction with Hot Spring Stream, then another 30 minutes up the stream to the hot spring itself.

Top Hope Hut to Hope Pass

Time: 3 hr 30 min

Follow an old 4WD track from the hut up the Hope River to the junction with Hot Spring Stream. From here follow the poled route upstream, crossing river flats, sections of beech forest and swampy clearings to reach Hope Pass.

Getting there

Lake Sumner Forest Park lies 100 km northwest of Christchurch between the Lewis Pass and Arthur’s Pass National Park.

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 the Hurunui swing bridge 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.