Bealey Spur
Arthur’s Pass National Park
Bealey Spur is a popular out-and-back day walk near Arthur’s Pass. The route climbs Bealey Spur to Bealey Spur Hut, located at the end of the official track. The track provides excellent views across the peaks and valleys of Arthur’s Pass National Park and the adjacent 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) |
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 before Bealey Hotel and the Bealey Bridge across the Waimakariri River. Immediately after crossing the one-way bridge over Bruce Stream, turn left on Cloudesley Rd then right into the DOC car park.
From the car park, follow the sealed Cloudesley Rd 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 2 km, the track enters an area of kānuka 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 the spur.
The track continues across a boardwalk through a section of boggy subalpine scrub, which features several tarns that become more visible as you continue up the spur, climbing through open tussock. The track passes 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 no windows other than a translucent polycarbonate skylight in the roof. Consequently, it is classified as a Basic Hut.
| Bealey Spur Hut | |||
| Hut Type | Basic Hut | Capacity | 6 |
| Bookings | Not required; first in, first served | Elevation | 1230 m |
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 approx. 1 hr 30 min return for this side trip.
Bealey Spur is an alpine environment, so proper preparation is essential to ensure a safe trip. You must always be prepared for freezing conditions and take extra care if snow and ice 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.