Mt Hope

Head south from Nelson along State Highway 6. Cross Hope Saddle and approx. 4 min past the turnoff to Tadmor-Glenhope Rd at Glenhope, you’ll reach the state highway bridge across Boulder Stream. The route starts on the side of northbound lane of the highway here. Note that the bridge is inconspicuous and there is no sign to indicate the route; just a small grassed area immediately prior to the bridge guardrail alongside the northbound lane.

The route, marked by orange plastic triangles, begins as a vehicle track through broom and blackberry, before quickly climbing steeply up a spur through forest mainly consisting of red, hard and silver beech, with a scattering of podocarps like Hall’s tōtara and miro. After approx. 2 km the gradient of the spur lessens, and the surrounding bush transitions to a coarser, shorter mix of kānuka, yellow silver pine and celery pine.

At 1000 m elevation, you’ll reach the beginning of the ‘tops’, which are an undulating mix of stunted mountain beech, kānuka, and tussock and subalpine scrub. The track is sandy underfoot, indicative of the underlying granite geology. The route continues to the left (southwest), climbing through patchy mountain beech and passing the intriguingly-shaped granite boulders that dot the landscape. Towards the summit the route markers are less frequent; there is a lightly-worn path through the subalpine scrub though in places it’s a case of picking your own way. The summit is not immediately obvious, though you should aim for the visibly highest point. The summit is marked by a metal pipe trig and small cairn.

Mt Hope is part of a broad granite plateau, with elevations ranging from around 1100 m to several high points exceeding 1200 m. The terrain is generally gently undulating, though numerous granite tors form distinctive landmarks across the plateau. This elevated landscape is a continuation of the same granite geology that underlies the Hope Range and Lookout Range to the north. There are no official routes across the area, though travel is generally straightforward in clear conditions.

Return the way you came.

This route up Mt Hope is not official and is therefore not maintained by DOC. There is no guarantee that the route will be passable and its condition may deteriorate over time. You should only attempt it if you have good outdoor navigation skills and equipment. The open tops of the Hope Range are a subalpine environment, so proper preparation is essential to ensure a safe trip. The route reaches a high elevation and is exposed above the tree line. You must always be prepared for freezing conditions and take extreme care if snow and ice are present. Make sure you carry plenty of water with you as there are no water sources on the way up.

See the Mountain Safety Council website for useful information on preparing for the outdoors.