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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: -42.48416, 172.86423. 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 km return return via same track
- Walking time
- 4-5hr 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
Summit Mt Isobel via this track. This is the least used track to summit. It is best suited to experienced trampers.
This DOC directory entry covers Jollies 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 km return return via same track
- Walking time: 4-5hr 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
Summit Mt Isobel via Jollies Pass Track.
The poled route starts 800 m north of Jollies Pass. It climbs through mountain beech and sub-alpine scrub before joining the eastern ridge to the summit.
The top section is exposed and rocky. Be prepared for this section with warm layers, waterproof jacket and sturdy hiking boots.
This is the least used route to Mt Isobel.
Getting there
From Hanmer Springs, follow Jollies Pass Road out of town. Follow this road for approximately 8 kms.
The road become unsealed shortly after leaving Hanmer Springs. The road is a backcountry road and only suitable for high ground clearance 4WD vehicles.
You may encounter:
Road closures
Seasonal snow and ice
Rough and steep 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 a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
