Mount Bealey Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This steep, rugged track leads to the bushline on Mount Bealey. It is suitable for experienced trampers only.

This DOC directory entry covers Mount Bealey Track in Canterbury, within Arthur's Pass National 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: 3.2 km (610 m vertical climb) to the bushline return via same track
• Walking time: 2-4 hours return to the bushline
• 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.

Seasonal restrictions

During winter, this area may be covered in snow. Avalanches can cross the track.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

Mount Bealey Track starts at the end of Mount Bealey Road in Arthur’s Pass village. It is a rugged tramping track that climbs steeply to the bushline.

Stick to the track by closely watching the orange triangles. There are markers of other colours indicating traplines, do not follow these.

The track ends at the bushline. There are good views here of Arthur’s Pass and the surrounding mountains.

Even though Mount Bealey Track is a day walk, you still need to be ready for delays or an unexpected night out. This includes carrying warm and waterproof clothes, an emergency shelter, spare food, a torch and extra batteries, and a distress beacon as well as a fully charged mobile phone.

The track gains a lot of height in a short distance, so it is best suited to people with good fitness. It is uneven and you will need to scramble up/down tree roots.

Do not try take alternative routes to the village by walking off-track in the bush or following the streams, there are steep cliffs.

There are additional hazards in winter, including snow, freezing temperatures and avalanche risk. Avalanche paths are not marked but avalanches can cross the track.

Note: Mount Bealey Track is in a different part of Arthur’s Pass to the popular Bealey Spur Track and Hut and to Bealey Valley Track/Bealey Chasm. These are both easier alternative tracks with excellent scenery.

There is no track to the Mount Bealey summit

There is no track or marked route above the bushline to the top of Mount Bealey. Do not proceed beyond this point unless you are an experienced and well-equipped tramper. You need a high level of alpine tramping experience to continue to the top, including route-finding, map reading and survival skills.

Avalanche Peak is an alternative trip that does have marked routes to the summit (though note that it also requires good weather, fitness, experience and preparation).

There are very steep sections and fall risks above the bushline on Mount Bealey. The summit is a considerable distance from the end of the track. Be ready to turn back if the weather deteriorates or if the terrain/navigation is proving more difficult than expected.

In winter or when snow is present, you will need an ice axe, crampons, an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel, as well as the ability to use them.

Getting there

Mt Bealey Track begins at the end of Mount Bealey Road, off SH73 in Arthur’s Pass village.

Know before you go

This track is for experienced trampers

It is steep and rugged. Stay on the track by following the orange markers.

Make sure you have shared your plans with a trusted contact.

Check the weather

Check the Arthur's Pass National Park weather forecast before you go. Walking above the bushline is recommended only in good weather conditions as you need good visibility to find your way. Above the bushline you are very exposed to the severity of the mountain weather.

If it is raining, stormy or there is low cloud around the mountains, there will probably be no views above the bushline. Conditions will be unpleasant at best and dangerous at worst.

When snow covers the ground, this route will be less obvious and there may be a danger of ice and avalanches. Mountaineering skills and equipment are recommended and avalanche risk assessment skills will be required.

There is no track above the bushline

Do not proceed beyond this point unless you are an experienced and well-equipped tramper. You need a high level of alpine tramping experience to continue to the top, including route-finding, map reading and survival skills. There are very steep sections and fall risks. Be ready to turn back if the weather deteriorates or if it is proving more difficult than expected.

Do not take alternative routes off-track or follow the streams

There are no off-track or stream-bed routes down from the mountain. If you attempt to come down the mountain not on the track, you are likely to encounter steep cliffs.

Expect snow, ice and avalanche risk in winter

This track can be covered in snow in winter. You may need winter alpine equipment and snowcraft skills, plus avalanche assessment skills and equipment.

One or more avalanche paths cross this track. Avalanches are more likely to cross the track during and after heavy snow or rain when there is already a lot of snow on the high mountains. The avalanche paths on this track are not marked.

You can find a video series, Avalanche Tips and Terms: From the forecast to the field, on the NZ Avalanche Advisory website

Nature and conservation

The track passes through known kiwi habitat. Kea are often seen and heard in the area, as well as other native birds such as titipounamu/riflemen, toutouwai/south island robin, and miromiro/tomtit.

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.