Little Mt Peel/Huatekerekere tracks: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Climb one of the most popular peaks in Canterbury for magnificent views to Mt Somers, Mt Hutt and across the plains to the coast.

This DOC directory entry covers Little Mt Peel/Huatekerekere tracks in Canterbury, within Peel Forest Park Scenic Reserve. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
• Walking time: 4–7 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

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

Little Mt Peel/Huatekerekere via Deer Spur

Time: 2–3 hr one wayDistance: 4.6 km one way

From the car park at Blandswood, walk up the steep Blandswood Lookout Road to the top. Follow Fern Walk for about 350 m before turning left onto Deer Spur Track. The track follows a ridge up to the summit (1311 m).

There are magnificent views of Mt Somers, Mt Hutt and across the plains to the coast. Tristam Harper Memorial Shelter is just below the summit.

This track has steep sections and wooden boardwalks. These can be slippery when wet or icy. We recommend wearing hiking boots so you don’t slip.

Little Mt Peel/Huatekerekere via South Ridge Track

Time: 3 hr 30 min one wayDistance: 3.5 km one way

An alternative to climbing or descending Little MtPeel/Huatekerekere from Deer Spur is to use the South Ridge Track. The South Ridge is steep and involves a couple of rocky scrambles.

South Ridge Track connects with Deer Spur at the top of the mountain and Emily Falls Track near the bottom.

When descending from Little Mt Peel/Huatekerekere keep to the ridge until the track sign shows the route down a tussock-covered spur to the bushline and Emily Stream.

Getting there

9.5 km north of Geraldine, turn off SH72 (Inland Scenic Route) onto Peel Forest Road and follow this for 13 km. Turn into Blandswood Road and follow this for 2 km to the junction with Lookout Road. Park in the car park at the junction.

Walk a short distance up Lookout Road to the start. Note, Lookout Road isn't suitable for parking.

Know before you go

Cellphone coverage in Peel Forest area is poor.

Weather

These are alpine summits and the weather can be very different from at road level – take appropriate clothing and equipment.

This track has steep sections and wooden boardwalks. These can be slippery when wet or icy. We recommend wearing hiking boots so you don’t slip.

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.