Bealey Spur is a popular out-and-back day walk near Arthur’s Pass. The track climbs Bealey Spur to Bealey Spur Hut, which is located at the end of the official track. The track provides great views of the surrounding peaks and valleys of Arthur’s Pass National Park and Craigieburn Forest Park. Bealey Spur is one of a number of nearby geographical features named after Samuel Bealey (1821-1909), a former Superintendent of Canterbury.
| Details | |
| Length | 6.5 km one way to Bealey Spur Hut from car park |
| Time Required | 2-3 hr one way to Bealey Spur Hut from car park |
| Trail Type | Tramping track |
| Physical Difficulty | Moderate |
| Uses | Walking and trail running |
| Start elevation | 620 m |
| Max elevation | 1230 m (Bealey Spur Hut) |
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Bealey Spur Track does not connect to any other official tracks.
1 hr 45 min from Christchurch | 10 min from Arthur’s Pass
Bealey Spur Track begins right next to SH73, a short distance prior to the Bealey Hotel and the Bealey Bridge across the Waimakariri River. Immediately after crossing the one-way bridge across Bruce Stream, turn left on Cloudesley Rd then right into the DOC car park.
From the car park, follow the sealed Cloudesley Road which winds for 500 m up to the beginning of the track. The track enters mature black and mountain beech forest, and continues to climb gradually along the spur. After two kilometers enters an area of kanuka scrub, where you’ll get the first views. At the high point along here the bare slope provides views across the vast expanse of the Waimakariri River Valley, with the Main Divide at its head and the state highway bridge snaking across immediately below where you’re standing.
The track continues across boardwalk through a section of boggy subalpine scrub, which features several tarns which you get better views of as you continue onwards up the spur, climbing through open tussock. The track passes a another section of beech forest before reaching the Bealey Spur Hut.
The hut was built for sheep musterers in 1925, at which time Bealey Spur was a sheep run within Cora Lynn Station, prior to it becoming part of Arthur’s Pass National Park. Also known as Top Hut (which is inscribed on the hut’s door), the hut features an open fire, bunks constructed from beech poles and a lack of windows other than a translucent polycarbonate sheet on the roof. Consequently, it holds a ‘basic’ hut status.
| Bealey Spur Hut | |
| Hut Type | Basic Hut |
| Capacity | 6 |
| Bookings | Not required |
| Fee | No fee |
The official DOC track ends at the hut, though a well-worn path continues up the ridge (called Hut Spur) to point 1545. In clear conditions you’ll enjoy great views of the impressive expanse of the Waimakariri Valley, as well as the surrounding peaks and ranges. Allow 1 hr 30 min for this.
Bealey Spur is an alpine environment, so proper preparation and care should be made to ensure a safe trip. You must always be prepared for freezing conditions and take extra care if snow and ice and are present.
See the Mountain Safety Council website for useful information on preparing for the outdoors.
Bealey Spur is a popular out-and-back day walk near Arthur’s Pass. The track climbs Bealey Spur to Bealey Spur Hut, which is located at the end of the official track. The track provides great views of the surrounding peaks and valleys of Arthur’s Pass National Park and Craigieburn Forest Park. Bealey Spur is one of a number of nearby geographical features named after Samuel Bealey (1821-1909), a former Superintendent of Canterbury.
| Details | |
| Length | 6.5 km one way to Bealey Spur Hut from car park |
| Time Required | 2-3 hr one way to Bealey Spur Hut from car park |
| Trail Type | Tramping track |
| Physical Difficulty | Moderate |
| Uses | Walking and trail running |
| Start elevation | 620 m |
| Max elevation | 1230 m (Bealey Spur Hut) |
1 hr 45 min from Christchurch | 10 min from Arthur’s Pass
Bealey Spur Track begins right next to SH73, a short distance prior to the Bealey Hotel and the Bealey Bridge across the Waimakariri River. Immediately after crossing the one-way bridge across Bruce Stream, turn left on Cloudesley Rd then right into the DOC car park.
From the car park, follow the sealed Cloudesley Road which winds for 500 m up to the beginning of the track. The track enters mature black and mountain beech forest, and continues to climb gradually along the spur. After two kilometers enters an area of kanuka scrub, where you’ll get the first views. At the high point along here the bare slope provides views across the vast expanse of the Waimakariri River Valley, with the Main Divide at its head and the state highway bridge snaking across immediately below where you’re standing.
The track continues across boardwalk through a section of boggy subalpine scrub, which features several tarns which you get better views of as you continue onwards up the spur, climbing through open tussock. The track passes a another section of beech forest before reaching the Bealey Spur Hut.
The hut was built for sheep musterers in 1925, at which time Bealey Spur was a sheep run within Cora Lynn Station, prior to it becoming part of Arthur’s Pass National Park. Also known as Top Hut (which is inscribed on the hut’s door), the hut features an open fire, bunks constructed from beech poles and a lack of windows other than a translucent polycarbonate sheet on the roof. Consequently, it holds a ‘basic’ hut status.
| Bealey Spur Hut | |
| Hut Type | Basic Hut |
| Capacity | 6 |
| Bookings | Not required |
| Fee | No fee |
The official DOC track ends at the hut, though a well-worn path continues up the ridge (called Hut Spur) to point 1545. In clear conditions you’ll enjoy great views of the impressive expanse of the Waimakariri Valley, as well as the surrounding peaks and ranges. Allow 1 hr 30 min for this.
Bealey Spur is an alpine environment, so proper preparation and care should be made to ensure a safe trip. You must always be prepared for freezing conditions and take extra care if snow and ice and are present.
See the Mountain Safety Council website for useful information on preparing for the outdoors.
Bealey Spur Track does not connect to any other official tracks.
Updated 6 July 2024