By Outdoor Next Editorial standards
On this page
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: -43.32306, 171.50508. 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
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 3 hr return
- Track grade
- Expert
- Location
- Peak Hill Conservation Area
- Dog access
- No dogs. 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
The climb to the top of Peak Hill rewards walkers with sweeping views of Lake Coleridge and its surrounds. The walk is extremely exposed to the weather and walkers should be well equipped.
This DOC directory entry covers Peak Hill Route in Canterbury, within Peak Hill Conservation Area. 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: 3 hr return
- 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
From Algidus Road there is a sign and a marked easement over private land, which will take you to the summit along an unformed route. The walk is suitable for family groups.
Getting there
From Christchurch, head towards Darfield or Hororata until you meet up with Coleridge Road. Go through Lake Coleridge Village then turn west onto Algidus Road. The signed entrance to Peak Hill is nine km up Algidus Road.
Know before you go
The walk to Peak Hill is extremely exposed to the weather and walkers should be well equipped.
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.
