Arthur's Pass to Rakaia River

Walking this section

Introduction

Klondyke Track - 9km / 2-3 hours

The Klondyke Track is a Te Araroa-specific link. It reduces the road connection between the Deception-Mingha and Harper River Tracks. 

The track starts at the Mingha and Bealey River junction. It heads south on the flood control bank, initially following orange marker poles (these turn off to the Greyney Shelter carpark that is no longer a campsite, despite the old label on maps). Continue following the flood control bank, and carefully cross the railway line into the gravel quarry; a poled and marked route starts at the Bealey River / Greyney’s Creek junction following a terrace beside the river towards the Klondyke Corner Campsite, this is also a predator control line (yellow markers). At Klondyke there is 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 SH73 before the Bealey Spur settlement. If the Waimakariri is up, trampers are able to cross on the road bridge, about 1km to the west.

The Bealey Hotel, which is 12km east of Arthur’s Pass and 150km west of Christchurch, is a good point where trampers can organize transport, with most operators passing on their way to Arthur’s Pass or Christchurch.

From Bealey Spur, continue east on SH73 and follow the road’s shoulder to Cora Lynn Rd. Turn right here and walk past the Arthur’s Pass Wilderness Lodge and 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.

Harper River Track

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 an unformed legal road, which runs along the Harper River fringe. 

Cora Lynn Road - 1km

From SH73 walk up Cora Lynn Road,  signposted Wilderness Lodge

Cora Lynn Carpark to Hamilton Hut - 15.5km / 7-8 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 the 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 people) 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 swingbridge across Hamilton Creek near Hamilton Hut.

Hamilton Hut to Harper Rd - 19km / 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, except for a spot where a ravine has formed. This means a river crossing cannot be avoided. The river can pool adjacent to this point, so if the water is high, waiting it out or retreating to Hamilton Hut could be the wisest course of action.

The track remains within Craigieburn Forest Park until about a 1/3 of the way down to the Pinnacles. It then enters Glenthorne Station (we ask that respect is given when on this station and please stick to the route — no shortcuts. If you do, you will be charged with trespassing by the landowners) on a route based on an unformed legal 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. The Avoca, 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 with shelter, toilet and water on Manawa Energy-owned land about 300m distant. This is down the road marked with the “2km to Lake Coleridge” sign. The campsite is signposted on the left-hand side of this road. Water is available from a tap in the campsite, and there is a modern long-drop toilet. A shelter built by Te Araroa benefactor Stephen Yeats in 2022 provides a welcome refuge from rain, wind or sun on the otherwise unprotected site.

For One.nz (previously Vodafone) subscribers only, cellphone connection is possible at the end of the Harper River Track but not at the Harper Campsite, also referred to as the Manawa Energy Campsite. Cell signal starts where the trail leaves the floodbanks and crosses a wooden fence (SOBO) onto a gravel road, and continues past the Manawa Energy work site as far as the plywood signboard. For NOBO, you will pass through the tiny Harper Village to a T intersection. The campsite is to the left, cell signal and Te Araroa northbound is to the right 

• Note - it is 48km from Hamilton Hut to Lake Coleridge - only the fastest walkers should attempt to do this in a day. There are NO places to camp between Harper Village and Lake Coleridge, so the recommended approach is to camp at the Harper Village campsite and then go from there to Lake Coleridge in a day — plan to reach Lake Coleridge before 5pm to maximise your chances of hitching a lift out to Rākaia Gorge/Methven. There is now excellent camping and dormitory accommodation at the Powerstation Lodge on Te Araroa at km 2,299.6, just before Lake Coleridge Village. Details below. Otherwise you’ll need to walk to Lake Coleridge Village and hitch out that day, or pick up a hitch along Harper Road. There is no other recommended accommodation in Lake Coleridge Village

Harper Village to Homestead Road -  22km / 6 hours

From Harper Village, travel 22km along Harper Road past Lake Selfe, over the Ryton River Road Bridge, past Lake Evelyn and onto Homestead Road. There are toilets at Lake Selfe (km 2,275) and at Lake Georgina (km 2,286.9)

• Note: Take extreme care, this road has a 100km/h speed limit, and drivers are often not expecting walkers. Wear hi-viz clothing/pack cover, and do not use headphones. Stick to the extreme edge of the road. A person who drives this road daily and often picks up walkers has asked specifically for Te Araroa hikers to be reminded that it is safer for hikers in pairs or groups to all move to the same side of the road when a vehicle approaches. If you occupy both shoulders, he has to choose which one to avoid.

At the junction with Lyndon Road turn right and continue onto Homestead Road. Te Araroa's next section, the Lake Hill Track, starts at the stile about 900m down on the right-hand side of the road. 

Lake Hill Track - 3.5km / 1¼ hours

The Lake Hill Track provides access to a section of the Lake Coleridge foreshore and joins Homestead Road with Coleridge Intake Road. In the process, it follows a narrow strip of public land which adjoins the private property.

• Note: Walkers are asked to keep strictly to the marked route and to respect the property rights of the adjoining landowners. This includes giving way to stock and farm operations and adhering to the ’no dogs, camping or fires’ conditions of access.

The track starts on Homestead Road at a stile, which is 900m from the junction with Harper and Lyndon Roads. Travel is in the direction of Lake Coleridge and is initially easy and through farmland where stock are likely to be grazing.

After about 700m, the marked route passes through a tussock section as it crosses a wetland fringe. Conditions may be damp underfoot here.

Beyond the wetland, the route joins the edge of a farm track and then veers to the left on a foot track as it approaches the lakeshore. There is a short climb and descent to avoid a bluff, and then about half a kilometre of level lakeside walking before the foot track crosses another farm track.

From the far side of the farm track, the marked route ascends away from the lake. After a short climb, the gradient eases, and the track continues to follow poles towards Coleridge-Intake Road. On its way to the road, the track joins and then departs from a farm track. Trampers need to be vigilant in following the markers to ensure they stay on the legal route.

The track ends on Coleridge Intake Road at the stile next to the farm gate. This is about 1.3km below the intersection with Algidus Road.

Coleridge Intake Road and Arboretum Track - 3.8km / 1¼ hours

Walk south up Coleridge Intake Road (away from the lake) from the Lake Hill Track trailhead towards the Algidus Road intersection. Continue through the intersection on Coleridge Intake Road. Beyond the cattle stop, the road and surrounding land are owned by Manawa Energy Power. Coleridge Intake Road enters a pine forest and veers to the right. 

The track leaves Coleridge Intake Road on the right as the road makes a hairpin turn to the left. Look out for markers here and a track that has been cut through the broom. This formed track quickly opens up and, for a few metres, follows the pipes down towards the power station before turning left to enter a pine forest.

Lower down the track leaves the forest, turns right, and descends directly through open country. It enters the Arboretum at a gate on the left and follows a well-formed path passing a number of signposted specimen trees along the way. The track end is through the memorial gate marking the exit from the Arboretum to Hummocks Road. 

The Arboretum comprises a site of approximately 2 hectares and was established in 1933 by Harry Hart, who served as superintendent of the Lake Coleridge Power Station for 30 years until 1954. It now contains one of New Zealand’s best mature conifer collections, including examples of at least two-thirds of the world’s pine species.

Information poster about the Lake Coleridge area.

Lake Coleridge Village - camping at The Powerhouse Lodge, 114 Hummocks Rd, Lake Coleridge Village (TA km 2,298.4) is open from late November for Te Araroa Trail Walkers. Per person prices: Tenting $25, bunkroom $35 and Lodge options available. EFTPOS available. Do your own meals and transport arrangements. Wi-Fi, outdoor kitchen, hot showers, laundry facilities and snacks available. Highly recommended, kiwi hospitality at its best. Bounce Boxes can be received and held here. No bookings necessary, register on arrival for camp info and instructions. More info on Facebook or call 022 081 0882. The Lodge is also the pickup and drop off point for Selwyn Shuttles - Phone Brad 021 776 968 to make or join a group booking.  Methven Travel may be available - Phone Dave 027 437 5432, Facebook - MethvenTravel Ltd

To get around the Rākaia River, turn left on Coleridge Road, then right on Zig Zag Road or continue on Coleridge Road. Turn right at SH77 to cross Rākaia Gorge (24km from Lake Coleridge). 

Across the second bridge is Rākaia Gorge Campground. To follow the Rakaia bypass route continue west on SH77, then turn right onto Blackford Road, which becomes Double Hill Run Road to the Te Araroa trailhead at Glenrock.  Most hikers will go past Blackford Road and take the first left turn (also SH77) to Methven for rest and resupply (40.5km from Lake Coleridge).  Methven has two good supermarkets, two pubs, many great cafés and an excellent campground.

Track conditions

 Potential hazards

• Vehicles on road or track take care along SH73 and Harper Rd
  When road walking, walkers should should wear high visibility clothing or accessories, not wear any earbuds, and remain vigilant for traffic. Walk on the right side of the road, facing oncoming traffic, where possible
• Farming operations adjacent to Harper River
• River crossings - Never cross flooded rivers
• Track exposed to sun, wind or cold
• Weather extremes

Transport

Getting there/away

• Methven Travel - 93 Main St , Methven- P: 0800 684 888 for shuttles to/from Christchurch. More details in Rākaia River to Rangitata River section

• Selwyn Shuttles provide a daily daily service from Powerhouse Lodge to Methven and onto South Rakaia Trail head at Double Hill and return. 

  We run a daily service during busy periods and other times it is an on-demand service. Best to contact us the night prior to ensure availability. 

  Our usual schedule is: 
      10am Powerhouse Lodge - Methven for resupply 
      12pm Methven - Double Hill / Glenrock Stream 
      1pm Double Hill / Glenrock Stream - Methven 
      2pm Methven - Powerhouse Lodge  

  Pricing is: 
      Powerhouse Lodge - Methven ( either direction ) 
      1-4 $200 minimum 
      5-6 $40 each 
      7-11 $35 each 

  Methven - Double Hill/ Glenrock ( either direction ) 
      1-5 $250 minimum 
      6-7 $45 each 
      8-11 $40 each 

  EFTPOS / PayWave/ credit card available 

  We look forward to driving you soon
  Brad Wilson - 021 776 968

   

Accommodation

Trail Pass

Klondyke Campsite - km 2,229.2 - Included in The Trail Pass (Bookings required)

Bealey Hut - km 2,236.8 - Included in The Trail Pass

Lagoon Saddle Hut - km 2,242.2 - Included in The Trail Pass

Lagoon Saddle A Frame Hut - km 2,242.3 - Included in The Trail Pass

West Harper Hut - km 2,347.8 - Included in The Trail Pass

Hamilton Hut - km 2,251.7 - 20% discount on hut stay with The Trail Pass (Bookings required). 
Camping next to hut included in The Trail Pass - camping bookings required

Manawa Energy (Trustpower) Campsite - km 2,271,3 - Free

Accommodation En route

• The Bealey Hotel - SH 73 12858 West Coast Rd, Arthur's Pass - P: 03 318 9277 - which is 12km southeast of Arthur’s Pass and 150km 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. The team are also willing to receive bounce boxes for $10. They also offer a pick up service for $10 you can email Matty on stay@thebealeyhotel.com
• Arthurs Pass Eco Lodge - Host Helen Nugteren - P: 027 675 1511 - E: helen@arthurspassecolodge.co.nz - Located on the end of Bealey Spur - run by Helen Nugteren who is also a keen tramper and often joins walkers out on Te Araroa. The Lodge offers bed and breakfast, delicious dinners and packed lunches on request. Bookings essential
• DOC Bealey Hut - 6 bunks - is a five minute walk beyond the car park at Cora Lynn Rd, up the track and on the right hand side 
• DOC Hamilton Hut - (20 bunks) - a modern 20 bunk hut complete with wood stove and radio link through to the Arthur’s Pass Visitors Centre.
• Harper River Campsite - P: Tel: 03 318 5700 - E: helen.stanger@trustpower.co.nz - campsite close to the shore of Lake Coleridge is available near the tiny settlement of Harper Village at the inland head of the lake. To find it, drive through Harper Village and over the bridge across the Harper Canal, then turn left down towards the lake. You’ll find the campsite down this road on the left. The sheltered campsite includes tap water (untreated well water) and an environmental toilet, but with no other services in Harper Village users need to be self-sufficient. There is a shelter at the campsite built by voluntary Te Araroa supporter Steven Yeats
• Lake Coleridge Village - camping at The Powerhouse Lodge, 114 Hummocks Rd, Lake Coleridge Village (TA km 2,298.6) is open from late November for Te Araroa Trail Walkers. Per person prices: Tenting $25, bunkroom $35 and Lodge options available. EFTPOS available. Do you own meals and transport arrangements. Wi-Fi, outdoor kitchen, hot showers, laundry facilities and snacks available. Kiwi hospitality at its best. Bounce Boxes can be received and held here. No bookings necessary, register on arrival for camp info and instructions. More info on Facebook or call 022 081 0882. The Lodge is also the pickup and drop off point for Methven Travel. Phone Dave 027 437 5432, Facebook - MethvenTravel Ltd
• Rākaia Gorge Society Camping Ground - 6686 Arundel Rākaia Gorge Rd - P: 03 302 9353 - The campground has tent sites, a sheltered cooking area, showers, toilets and water.

Note: There is no free camping near Lake Coleridge Village. The official campgrounds in the Lake Coleridge area are at Harper Village (free) and Rākaia Gorge (small charge). There are no areas where Freedom Camping is legally permitted between these two campgrounds and with increasing numbers of walkers enjoying Te Araroa, landowners are becoming more likely to move people on who are camping illegally. If you are solely camping you need to plan your journey to use the official campgrounds. 

Methven

• Methven Camping Ground - 72 Barkers Road, Methven (next to the A & P show grounds, just a three minute walk to the centre of the township), P: 03 302 8005, M: 021 0818 5546. Daren and Rhonda Saunders.  Campsite with use of toilets, shower, kitchen, lounge $15.  Cabins for single or double - special rate for TA walkers.  No charge for accepting supply boxes E: methvennz@hotmail.com
• Mt Hutt Bunkhouse and Cottage BBH - 8 Lambard St, Methven - P: 03 302 9122 or 027 346 4968
• Alpenhorn Chalet, 44 Allen St, Methven - P: 03 3028779 - E: info@alpenhorn.co.nz 
• Methven Lodge and B&B, 182 Main St, Methven - P: 03 3029047 - E: info@methvenlodge.co.nz
• Snow Denn Lodge, 6 Bank street, Methven - P: 03 302 8999 – E snowdenn@xtra.co.nz or find us on Facebook – special Te Araroa rate $37 in dorm rooms 10% discount off private rooms. www.snowdennlodge.co.nz. We can hold resupply boxes $5.00 per box. Call or email us to arrange.

• Big Tree Lodge 25 South Belt, Methven. Phone Peter Wilson 029 0201 2762, email jiaxingyuki@gmail.com  10% discount for TA walkers for phone bookings, No charge for accepting supply boxes.  Transport to or from trailheads can be arranged

• Methven Resort 51 Main Street, Methven. Studio room $90 per night (2x people) which includes continental breakfast. Studio room and dinner deal $130 per night (2 people) also includes continental breakfast. We also have discounted rates for groups of 3 or more people. Laundry facilities available for use. Bar and Restaurant open Wednesday - Sunday. P: 03 302 8724 or sarah@methvenresort.com

Christchurch

• St Albans, Christchurch very close to the city centre. Te Araroa alumni from 2019-20 and would someday like to finish the SI part as well. "We  have a converted and carpeted garage with sliding door, kitchen and laundry which we can offer to anyone who is in need. Might even have a trundle bed shortly."  Also, happy to pickup and drop off any hikers if I'm free as long as they can offer to pay for the cost of the petrol. 022 309 9637  harun.shaikh@gmail.com

Food and supplies

Resupply

• Four Square Supermarket - 33/37 McMillian St, Methven - P: 03 302 8114
• Fresh Choice Supermarket - The Mall, Methven P: 03 302 8050
• Alpine Sport Adventure Store Methven
  full outdoor gear shop, open 7 days.  We carry the full range of Real Meals, Radix meals, a solid range of suitable TA Trail shoes (Altra, La Sportiva, Merrell and more coming), Bridgedale & Injinji trail socks, gas & cookers (Jetboil, MSR), hiking poles & spare parts/repairs, water filters (Sawyer, Katadyn, Platypus), hydration, repair supplies, sleep mats/bags/pillows, outdoor clothing etc etc. We also work with suppliers to help facilitate the delivery of warranty claims