The Klondyke Track is a Te Araroa specific link. At this point in time it reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the road connection between the Mingha-Deception and Harper River Tracks.
From Greyneys Shelter the first part of the route, to the Bealey Hotel, is off road. Beyond the hotel it is currently road connection but Te Araroa Trust is participating in the Cora Lynn Station tenure review in an effort to find an off-road solution.
The track starts on SH73 at Greyneys Shelter Campsite and heads south, initially on the road shoulder but soon diverts to the Bealey River margin. This is from the left hand side of the road. The track then heads towards Klondyke Corner Campsite, a basic campsite with a pavilion, carpark and toilets.
The track beyond Klondyke Corner remains on the true right bank of the Bealey River. There are occasional marker poles which lead to the Waimakariri River confluence. Cross the river, as water levels allow, and climb up to the Bealey Hotel. If the Waimakariri is up, trampers are able to cross on the road bridge, about 1 km to the west.
The Hotel, which is 12 km east of Arthur’s Pass and150 km west of Christchurch, offers backpacker and motel type accommodation, a restaurant and bar. Trampers can organize transport from here with most operators passing on their way to Arthur’s Pass or Christchurch.
From the Hotel, turn left (east) onto SH 73 and follow the road's shoulder to Cora Lynn Rd. Turn right here and walk past the Arthur’s Pass Wilderness Lodgeand through the gate marked ‘Cass-Lagoon Track’. The track ends at the car park a short distance further along.
Bealey Hut (6-bunks) is a five minute walk beyond the car park, up the track and on the right hand side.
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