Walking this section
Introduction
A safe road bypass along Lewis Pass Road, in the event that the Boyle River is unsafe for crossing. Use the wet weather bridge at Windy Point
St James Car Park (Boyle Village) to Windy Point - 11.5km / 2hr
Follow the Tūi Track sign and markers to the highway and then on the landward side of the fence on the left to a driveway leading to the old Boyle Base Hut. Cross the road here and follow the markers down to a terrace, and then along to the Boyle River.
If safe to cross, ford the Boyle River where markers indicate and continue down the true right bank on river flats to the confluence with the Doubtful River. Follow the St James Car Park (Boyle Village) to Hope-Kiwi Lodge notes in the Boyle to Arthur's Pass section.
If the river can't be crossed safely then back-track and continue down on the road shoulder for about 2 hours to the sign-post marking the entrance road to the Lake Sumner Forest Park at Windy Point. You will pass the Engineers Camp along the way. There is a car park and shelter at Windy Point, a short distance down the entrance road. This marks the alternative, and traditional, start point to the Harper Pass Track.
Transport
- Hanmer Hiking Services offers affordable and flexible TA trailhead connections between Hanmer and Boyle Village/ Windy Point from $25pp (for a four person trip). Please contact us on 027 264 0848 or via our Facebook page for bookings or enquiries.