11 October 2026
Showers about the Divide, clearing in the evening, otherwise fine.
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1 / 4Lake Sumner Forest Park
Harper Pass Track
This track runs from Hurunui swing bridge to Harper Pass. It is popular for day walks or overnight stays in three huts. This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.
Distance
21 km
Walking time
9 - 10
Difficulty
Advanced
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
Harper Pass Track flood damage
No fireplace in Hurunui No. 3 Hut
Weather outlook
Canterbury High Country forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 9:23 pm
12 October 2026
Fine.
13 October 2026
Partly cloudy with isolated showers.
14 October 2026
Rain, with heavy falls.
15 October 2026
Rain developing, with snow to 600 metres.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Harper Pass Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
Loch Katrine to Hurunui Hut
Distance: 10.7 km Time: 2-3 hrs Starting at the locked gate at Loch Katrine (no vehicle access, but foot and mountain-bike access permitted), this route follows a 4WD station road across Lakes Station land to the boundary of Lake Sumner Forest Park at the Hurunui swing bridge, then continues on a graded track through beech forest to Hurunui Hut .
Hurunui Hut to No. 3 Hut
Distance: 9.5 km Time: 4 hr The track passes through sections of beech forest and across open river flats, with some short climbs where the track sidles above the river to avoid steep banks. A natural hot spring is located about 2 hours from Hurunui Hut - a worthwhile stop for a soak. From the hot spring, the track continues sidling through forest before descending to matagouri flats, where it’s an easy walk to Hurunui No. 3 Hut .
No. 3 Hut to Camerons Hut
Distance: 3.5 km Time: 1 hr The track follows the river through red beech forest to Camerons Stream, which is crossed via a three-wire bridge. The track continues through the forest to Camerons Hut .
Camerons Hut to Harper Pass
Distance: 6.7 Time: 2 hr The track crosses grass sections and beech forest, climbing around gorges to avoid crossing the river. Harper Pass Bivvy is 5.4km along the track, and the summit of Harper Pass is approximately 45 minutes / 1.3 km further on from the bivvy.
Huts and campsites
Loch Katrine Campsite Hurunui Hut Hurunui No.3 Hut Camerons Hut Harper Pass Bivvy
Getting there for Harper Pass Track
Lake Sumner Forest Park lies 100 km northwest of Christchurch between Lewis Pass and Arthur’s Pass National Park. To reach the park via Lake Sumner Road: take State Highway 7 at Waikari to Hawarden, then follow Lake Sumner Road to Lake Taylor. The road beyond Lake Taylor is suitable for 4WD vehicles only to Loch Katrine Campground. Use this location on Google Maps to help find your way there.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . Level up in your outdoor knowledge with these interactive online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Dog access for Harper Pass Track
No dogs.
Before you walk Harper Pass Track
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.