The track starts at the sign-posted carpark off Cora Lynn Rd, about 14 km east of Arthur's Pass on SH 73. Refer the link on this page for more details.
The initial section, to Hamilton Hut, is on DOC’s Cass Saddle–Lagoon Saddle Track and through Craigieburn Forest Park.
The final portion of the track is adjacent to Glenthorne Station and finishes at Harper Rd. Here trampers are able to walk a route based on a paper road, which runs proximate to the Harper River fringe. Te Araroa Trust is seeking access to an alternative route to this final section and details will be published as soon as agreement is reached.
Carpark to Hamilton Hut (6-7 Hours)
The track climbs a short distance from the carpark to Bealey Hut, a basic 6 bunk hut off on a short side trail to the right. Beyond the hut the track continues to climb through beech and exotic forest. It then traverses the broad north face of Mt Bruce, initially through forest but then through open tussock country. This is up towards Lagoon Saddle.
From the Saddle, follow board-walked sections down to the bushline. Lagoon Saddle A-Frame Shelter (2 bunks) is a short distance lower down. The track then descends to the Harper River. The next section down to West Harper Hut has numerous river crossings but these are straightforward in normal conditions.
West Harper Hut, with its dirt floor and canvas bunks, provides historical interest and welcome shelter in poor weather. Beyond the hut the route is an all weather one. The Harper River is crossed on a swing bridge. There is also a 3-wire bridge across Hamilton Creek near Hamilton Hut, a modern 20 bunk hut complete with wood stove and radio link through to the Arthur’s Pass Visitors Centre.
Hamilton Hut to Harper Rd (5 – 6 hours)
Return to the sign at the true left side of Hamilton Creek. From here Te Araroa heads down to the Harper River confluence, beyond which the track follows the Harper River downstream. For much of the way an old 4WD track can be used but this leads to numerous river crossings. If the river is high it is possible to remain on the true left all the way down to the Pinnacles without too much additional effort or time.
The track remains within Craigieburn Forest Park until about a 3rd of the way down to the Pinnacles. It then enters Glenthorne Station on a route based on a paper road. This is along the fringe of the Harper River on the true left side. The Pinnacles become visible lower down across the river on the true right side.
Below the Pinnacles the track continues down the Harper River, which trampers need to ford to make further progress. The best place to do this is above the Avoca River confluence. This river is in turn is crossed separately. Continue down the farm track to Harper Road and cross Harper River on the road bridge.
Harper Road reaches a junction near Harper Village where the Harper River Track ends. If you need somewhere to stay then there is a free overnight campsite on Trust Power owned land about 300m distant. This is down the road marked with the “2km to Lake Coleridge” sign. The campsite is sign-posted on the left hand side of this road. Water should be carried from the river or may be available from canal near the campsite. The nearest toilet, is further down towards the lake on the Oakden Canal
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