Lake Man Route: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This track is also known as Doubtful River to Hope River Track. It is recommended for experienced trampers only.

This DOC directory entry covers Lake Man Route 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: 8.1 km one way
• Walking time: 6 hr 30 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 trip links the Doubtful and Hope valleys. The Tui Track section of Te Araroa by SH7 makes this a 2–3 day round trip. It can be walked in either direction, but is easier to start from Doubtful valley.

The tramp is recommended for experienced trampers.there are river crossings and the middle section over the Doubtful Range is rugged – the section from Pussy Stream to the ridge is very steep.

Doubtful Hut to Lake Man Track junction (Kedron River)

Time: 1 hr

The Lake Man Track junction is off Doubtful Valley Track - between the Doubtful and Doubtless huts.

Kedron River to Lake Man Biv

Time: 2 hr 30 min

Route follows the true left of the Kedron River for a short distance before climbing through beech forest. After about an hour the track levels out and sidles above the Kedron River for about 30 minutes. Lake Man Biv is reached after a steady short climb through small alpine clearings.

Lake Man Biv to Hope Valley Track junction

Time: 4 hr

Route climbs above the biv for about 20 minutes to the bush edge. Follow the poled route for about an hour over a low tussock ridge to the western slopes of the middle tributary of Pussy Stream. Then follow the marker poles to the last pole situated at subalpine level on a steep narrow ridge. Descend the steep ridge to the large orange marker at the bush edge and further to reach the middle tributary of Pussy Stream.

Note" Near the bottom of the ridge the route turns sharply left down a narrow track. Don’t overshoot this turn as from this point the ridge takes a near vertical drop to the stream.

Follow Pussy Stream to the bush edge at St Jacobs Flat in the Hope valley, and then across tussock flats on the true left of Pussy Stream to the Hope River. This section is unmarked with numerous stream crossings. Cross the river to the Hope Valley Route. From here it is about 30 minutes to the Top Hope Hut, or an hour to St Jacobs Hut.

Getting there

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

There is a car park by SH 7 – around 5 km further on from Windy Point and 5 km before Boyle Village.

There is no bridge over Boyle River from this access point, but the swingbridge at Windy Point (around 2 hours walk) can be reached via Tui Track if the river cannot be crossed.

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.