Bealey Spur Track, Arthur’s Pass National Park

Starting above the highway

Bealey Spur Track begins from the car park off SH73, just past the Bealey Hotel and 14 km south of Arthur’s Pass village. Walk up Cloudesley Road to the track start at the top. Compared with many alpine tracks around the village, this route climbs more gradually and stays below the bush line, making it a distinct option for reasonably fit, well-equipped walkers. DOC

The marked track rises gently through mountain-beech forest. In summer, red-flowering mistletoe, or pirirangi, may be visible near the start. The ground can still be muddy and rough, with roots underfoot, so the gentler gradient does not remove the need for sturdy footwear with good grip. DOC

Forest gives way to open country

At one point, the track comes close to a cliff, with a dramatic view down to Bruce Stream. This is a place to keep children close and pay attention to the edge. Farther up, the beech canopy opens into tussock grassland and subalpine scrub; several tarns sit near the route, and expansive views reach across the Waimakariri River valley to the surrounding mountains. DOC

The route often makes a useful weather choice when north-westerly winds bring rain to Arthur’s Pass: its more easterly position is drier in those conditions. That does not make it an all-weather walk. In winter, snow can lie higher up, with exposure to wind and cold; fine weather is when the stated views are best enjoyed. DOC

A hut at the end

The track ends at historic Bealey Spur Hut, a basic shelter associated with the period when the area was summer grazing land for sheep and used by musterers. It has 6 bunk beds, heating, non-flush toilets and tap water that is untreated and must be boiled. There are no drinkable water sources along the way, so bring at least a litre per person. The hut has a long-drop toilet; an overnight stay is possible, though camping may be more comfortable. DOC

A one-way walk of 2 hr 30 min is listed, while the distance card gives 6 km without stating whether it is one way or return. Treat the hut as the natural endpoint when planning, and decide whether to retrace the route or make overnight arrangements. No fires are permitted in the lower carparking area. Wasp populations are high from January to April; light-coloured clothing and antihistamine cream or tablets are advised as a precaution. Dogs are not allowed. DOC

Route facts

For a relatively gradual route with a hut endpoint, the key trade-off is between the accessible profile and the exposed, sometimes muddy conditions that still require preparation. DOC