Bealey Spur

Discover the Bealey Spur Track

Located just south of Arthur's Pass, the Bealey Spur Track is a rewarding hiking experience with stunning views of the Waimakariri River and surrounding mountain ranges. This track is perfect for those interested in exploring diverse landscapes, from beech forests to mountain shrubs and tussock lands. It is particularly beautiful in late spring or early summer when native flora is in bloom, including mistletoe in the beech forest.

Scenic Hike Through Diverse Landscapes

The track begins above the small settlement of Bealey Spur. After parking just off the highway, you'll walk approximately 500 metres up the road to reach the track's starting point. The track climbs 400 metres from the car park at 600 metres above sea level to a spectacular viewpoint over the Waimakariri River and nearby mountain ranges at 1,000 metres. As you ascend, you'll pass through a variety of landscapes, including beech forests, followed by mānuka groves, finally opening out into low mountain tussocks and shrubs.

To reach the viewpoint takes about an hour of hiking. Don’t mistake earlier cliff-edge views into Bruce Gorge for the main viewpoint.

If you're keen to extend your hike, continue up the spur for another hour to reach the historic DOC Bealey Spur Hut and enjoy more breathtaking views.

Seasonal Highlights and Flora

Late spring and early summer are ideal times to explore the Bealey Spur Track. During this period, you can spot the rare New Zealand native mistletoe in the beech forest. Look for red or sometimes yellow petals on the ground to locate these flowering plants. The mānuka will also be flowering around this time, and above the bush line, you might find small, edible white snowberries. Additionally, native daisies bloom profusely in the open part of the track.