Hanmer Springs attracts many walkers and hikers with its abundance of walking tracks from short leisurely strolls along forest paths to day-hikes up Mt Isobel in the subalpine shrub. Hanmer Springs offers varied and scenic walking options for everyone.
Some of the tracks traverse the Heritage Forest Area where the exotic trees were planted over 100 years ago while others pass through pockets of native Mountain Beech - a true sight to behold.
A detailed map of the Hanmer Forest Park Walks for walking and hiking may be purchased from our Reception or Hanmer Springs i-site.
Short Walks
- Try a walk up Conical Hill, great fun for the whole family offering superb views of Hanmer Basin
- Woodland Walk, Majuba Walk and the Dog Stream/Tarndale Reserve are all close to the Village (2-hour return). The Woodland Walk is a popular option as it passes a pond and meadowland with a stream with wonderful views
- Forest Amble (30 minutes), Forest Walk (1-hour return) and the Forest Journey (1.5 hours return) commence at Herdsman's Avenue gate on Jollies Pass Road taking you into the beautiful Heritage Forest Area with some of New Zealand's oldest exotic trees
- Nature Trail (20 minutes return) great for families and home to native birds, Fir Trail (30 minutes return) a replanted Fir forest and restored wetland and the Upper Dog Stream/Timberlands Circuit are found north of Jollies Pass Road.
Half-Day Hikes
- Waterfall Track (3-hour return walk) takes you through Beech/Tawhai Forest to the magical 41 metre Dog Stream waterfall
- Spur Track is a 3-hour return tramp which climbs steadily with steep sections and is recommended for experienced walkers
Chatterton Track takes between 2 to 3 hours along Chatterton River through Mountain Beech to the top of Jacks Pass (861 metres) with wonderful views of Hanmer Basin
Day Tramps
Mount Isobel can be climbed via four different routes, the most popular and in fact the longest track is from Clarence Valley Road. This tramp can also be taken from Waterfall Track, Jacks Pass or Jollies Pass which will take you around 4 hours. These tracks are recommended for fit, experienced trampers and be aware they may be closed in winter due to snow.
St James Journeys
Ph: 03 315 5086 or Ph: 027 315 6106
www.stjamesjourneys.co.nz
St James Journeys will take you into the heart of the St James Valley to tramp, mountain bike, kayak, fish or just enjoy the breath-taking views. St James Conservation Area covers 78,000 hectares of native Beech/Tawhai forests, alpine tussock lands, rivers, lakes and mountains.
St James Journeys will customise trips and packages to suit your requirements.
Alpine Springs Helicopters
Ph: 03 315 7165 or Ph: 027 223 4022
Alpine Springs Helicopters provides a range of services including
- Scenic flights
- Heli hiking, heli-hunting and heli-fishing
- Transfers and drop off – pick up services