Day Hikes in Arthur’s Pass & the Craigieburn Range
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Big Adventures, All in a Day
Arthur’s Pass and the Craigieburn Range are two of Canterbury’s best-known mountain playgrounds — rugged, scenic, and packed with trails that deliver a full sense of adventure without needing a full pack or overnight stay. From beech forests and tussock ridges to scree slopes and alpine summits, there’s a lifetime of day hikes tucked into this region.
Here’s a selection of some of my favourites — all achievable as day trips, all guaranteed to make you feel like you’ve really earned your post-hike cuppa.
🏔 Mt Izard
Turn off SH73 towards the Cheeseman Ski Area and drive as far as Texas Flat.
From here, take the Hogs Back Track, crossing Waterfall Creek, then climb directly up the tussock spur to the summit of Mt Izard. It’s a straightforward but steep ascent — tussock giving way to loose shingle near the top.
From the summit, traverse the ridgeline towards Mt Cheeseman, passing point 1959. The ridge is generally easy going with a touch of exposure.
From Mt Cheeseman, descend through the shingle basin towards point 1552 and follow the tussock slopes back to the Hogs Back Track.
🚁 Helicopter Hill
Turn off SH73 to the Broken River Ski Field, parking at the Craigieburn Campsite.
Climb via the Mistletoe Track to a saddle and junction with Helicopter Hill Track and Luge Track.
Head up Helicopter Hill Track, which climbs steeply to a stunning 360° viewpoint.
Return the same way to the junction, then take the Luge Track to sidle down to Craigieburn Edge Track, following it to the Ski Field Road. Walk about a kilometre down the road to pick up Sidle 73 Track, which loops back to the campsite.
⛰ Avalanche Peak
One of the most iconic hikes in Arthur’s Pass National Park.
The trail begins behind the old DOC Visitor Centre in Arthur’s Pass Village and climbs steeply through beech forest beside Avalanche Creek.
Above the bushline, the route follows a well-marked alpine trail to the summit — steep, exposed, and utterly rewarding.
Make it a circuit by descending Scott’s Track, which returns to SH73 near Devils Punchbowl Carpark.
🌲 Mt Aicken
Start on the Devils Punchbowl Track, then branch onto Aicken Track.
It’s a steep climb through forest to the bushline, with tree roots and loose ground keeping things interesting.
Above the bushline, the route becomes rocky and unmarked — navigation and confidence on scree are essential. The track passes point 1844; the true summit (1863 m) involves challenging scrambles, so most hikers aim for the false summit with its excellent views.
🏠 Temple Basin
From the Temple Basin car park on SH73, the track climbs steeply uphill to the ski field.
Expect steady climbing for about an hour to Lockwood Shelter, then continue on to Page Memorial Shelter.
The views are impressive the whole way — a real alpine experience packed into a few hours. For an extra challenge, continue up to Temple Col.
🌿 Woolshed Hill
Turn off SH73 into the Hawdon Valley. From the Hawdon Shelter car park, follow signs for the Woolshed Hill Track.
It’s a steep climb through forest — expect washouts, roots, and a good leg workout.
Above the bushline, a well-worn shingle trail leads over a plateau dotted with tarns before the final ascent. Return the same way.
💧 Devils Punchbowl
An easy, well-graded track that’s perfect for a shorter walk.
From the Devils Punchbowl car park, follow the wide, maintained trail to a viewing platform at the base of the falls.
You can extend it by linking with the Arthur’s Pass Walking Track.
🌾 Bealey Spur
From Bealey Village, park near SH73 and follow the signposted Bealey Spur Track through beech forest and out onto tussock slopes.
Continue on to Bealey Spur Hut for stunning views.
To extend the hike, continue up Hut Spur to point 1545 before returning the same way.
🧭 Mt Bruce
From Cora Lynn, follow the Cass-Lagoon Track past Bealey Hut and through pine forest to open tussock.
Climb towards Lagoon Saddle, then leave the track to follow the ridge leading to the summit of Mt Bruce — a rewarding off-track adventure.
🏕 Hawdon Hut
Accessed via Hawdon Valley, this track begins from the Hawdon Shelter car park and campsite.
Expect multiple crossings of the Hawdon River — usually no deeper than knee height in low flows.
The track follows beech forest and tussock terraces, crossing East Hawdon Stream before reaching Hawdon Hut about 10 minutes beyond the old hut site.
🪶 Mt Lyndon
Turn off SH73 onto Lyndon Road and start from the southern end near the building.
Follow a fence line and worn trail before climbing through scrub to the summit. MTB trails and cairns make navigation straightforward.
The summit offers wide views over Lake Lyndon and the SH73 corridor.
To make it a circuit, descend a tussock spur leading directly to the lake, then follow the shoreline back to your start point.
🌄 Parapet Rock to Flock Hill
A one-way route linking several Craigieburn Forest trails — best done with a car shuffle.
Start from a roadside layby on SH73, cross the road and fence line to pick up MTB trails.
Climb Bridge Hill, descend east to join a 4WD road briefly, then take Hut Creek Track past the Environmental Centre.
Follow the Ski Field Road briefly, then take Luge Track, passing the junctions for Mistletoe Track and Helicopter Hill.
Continue along Luge Track to Craigieburn Edge Track, then down Coal Pit Spur Track to finish at Flock Hill.
🌤 Final Thoughts
Arthur’s Pass and the Craigieburns are full of day hikes that deliver serious mountain energy — steep climbs, exposed ridgelines, and views that make you forget how hard your legs are working.
Whether it’s a quick trip up Helicopter Hill, a full-day push to Avalanche Peak, or a wander up Bealey Spur, every one of these trails captures the essence of high country adventure — wild, beautiful, and always worth the climb.
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