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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: -42.48064, 172.83147. 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
- 6.4 km return return via same track
- Walking time
- 4-5 hr return
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Hanmer Forest Park
- 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
This track joins with Mt Isobel Summit Track to reach the summit. It is the shortest route to the summit but is steep and best for experienced trampers.
This DOC directory entry covers Jacks Pass Track to Mt Isobel in Canterbury, within Hanmer 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: 6.4 km return return via same track
- Walking time: 4-5 hr return
- 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.
Dog access
Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This track joins with the Mt Isobel Track after 1.9 km. It's another 1.3 km to reach the summit.
The route begins further up Clarence Valley Road (than Mt Isobel Track) at Jacks Pass.
This is the shortest route to the summit but is steep, rocky and is an exposed in the sub-alpine terrain. It is a poled route in places.
Be prepared for the exposed sections with warm layers, a waterproof jacket and sturdy hiking boots.
The track is best suited for fit, experienced trampers.
Getting there
From Hanmer Springs, turn off Jacks Pass Road onto Clarence Valley Road. Drive approximately 7 km to Jacks Pass. The road becomes a unsealed road shortly after leaving Hanmer.
This is a backcountry road. You may encounter:
Road closures
Seasonal ice and snow
Rough and steep road conditions
Know before you go
Pack for a day hike
This track is steep and exposed above the tree line. Pack warm layers, a waterproof jacket and wear sturdy hiking boots.
What to pack on a day hike
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 published in DOC's official route gallery with an explicit reuse licence. Its original caption and credit are retained; it does not establish current track conditions.
