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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: -42.49594, 172.84957. 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 via same track
- 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
Spur Track takes you to Dog Stream Waterfall through a track above the bushline. It is steeper and spends less time in the native forest compared to Waterfall Track.
This DOC directory entry covers Spur Track 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 3 hr return via same track
- 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.
- Spur Track fallen trees; First published on 23 March 2026. Last reviewed on 2 October 2026.
Dog access
Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This provides an alternative return route to Dog Stream waterfall compared to Waterfall Track.
Panoramic views, subalpine plants and plantation forest are features of this walk. The track climbs steadily with some steep sections before linking up to Waterfall Track. The lower section of this track is steep and muddy in places.
This tramping track can form a circuit with the Waterfall Track and Fir Trail.
Be aware the track is only set for a minimal level of maintenance, so you may encounter trees across the track.
Getting there
Starting from Hanmer Springs travel out of the town following Jollies Pass Road.
Turn left onto McIntryre Road after 2.2 km.
Continue on McIntrye Road as it transforms into Mullans Road.
At the end of Mullans Road turn right onto Mt Isobel Road.
The Spur Track can be started from the track openings at this point.
Know before you go
Entry to Hanmer Forest on foot is unrestricted except in times of fire danger or for public safety. Some tracks may be closed for harvesting operations – respect the signs.
A red flag flying outside the information centre and community hall indicate all tracks are closed because of extreme fire danger.
Report all suspicious fires immediately – call 111.
Wasp populations reach high numbers from January to March – wear light coloured clothing and carry antihistamine cream/tablets as a precaution.
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.
