Places to visitMethvenHikes

Bealey Spur Track

4.8
(70)
•
4.6
(47)
4.8
(70)
•
4.6
(47)
•#30 on "The 50 best hikes in South Island"
Hiking area
Outdoor Activities
Hiking Trails

About

Bealey Spur Track is a relatively easy four to six-hour hike with intermediate difficulty, located near Arthurs Pass village. The trail takes you through beech forests and sub-alpine scrub, offering the chance to spot native mistletoe and deer. The well-maintained path leads to a historical musterers hut before culminating near the summit, providing stunning panoramic views of the Bealey River and snow-capped mountains. Hikers can complete the track in 2.
Why you should go
    1
  1. Experience sweeping panoramic views of Bealey River and snow-capped mountains
    2. 2
  2. Spot native mistletoe, deer sightings, abundant fungi, and enjoy bird life along the way
    3. 3
  3. Discover scenic viewpoints and alpine lakes like tarns
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Highlighted reviews

Slide 1 of 3
I would reccomend either going after the hut to the summit (approx 2h30 walk one way) or stopping at the first view point at 1h walk. The view at the hut is only trees so it doesnt worth stopping there. We reached the top (almost) and it definitly worth the hike (wich is steep and muddy/icy)
Best “bang for your buck” hike in the area. You get amazing views without having to exert yourself much. The hike is a lot more steady than inclined, so it’s a good low to moderate hike for a slower day. You start out in the woods, which is cool, but the star of the show is the views you get at the overlook. There are quite a few peek a boo views to keep you going. There is a bit of a trek up from the parking lot to the start of the hike.
This is Early Sep in Bealey Spur Track. We enjoy the track, it's easy track.BUT! Spending a night in the hut was quite a challenging experience.It's a handy beautiful hut for sure. You have to chop your own firewood and prepare enough for the night. However, since the fireplace was far from the beds, the warmth never really reached us, and we spent the night shivering, barely able to sleep. Still, it was an enjoyable experience overall — the snow was both a blessing and a struggle, but the snowy scenery was undeniably soothing and beautiful.
I would reccomend either going after the hut to the summit (approx 2h30 walk one way) or stopping at the first view point at 1h walk. The view at the hut is only trees so it doesnt worth stopping there. We reached the top (almost) and it definitly worth the hike (wich is steep and muddy/icy)
Best “bang for your buck” hike in the area. You get amazing views without having to exert yourself much. The hike is a lot more steady than inclined, so it’s a good low to moderate hike for a slower day. You start out in the woods, which is cool, but the star of the show is the views you get at the overlook. There are quite a few peek a boo views to keep you going. There is a bit of a trek up from the parking lot to the start of the hike.
This is Early Sep in Bealey Spur Track. We enjoy the track, it's easy track.BUT! Spending a night in the hut was quite a challenging experience.It's a handy beautiful hut for sure. You have to chop your own firewood and prepare enough for the night. However, since the fireplace was far from the beds, the warmth never really reached us, and we spent the night shivering, barely able to sleep. Still, it was an enjoyable experience overall — the snow was both a blessing and a struggle, but the snowy scenery was undeniably soothing and beautiful.
See all reviews
Map
Address
Cloudesley Road Arthur's Pass National, New Zealand
Website
https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/canterbury/places/arthurs-pass-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/bealey-spur-track/
Cloudesley Road Arthur's Pass National, New Zealand
https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/canterbury/places/arthurs-pass-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/bealey-spur-track/

Know before you go

  • Consider going beyond Bealey Hut to reach even more amazing summit views
  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots due to rough terrain that can be muddy
  • Bring wind protection as weather conditions can change quickly at higher altitudes
  • Start early in the day to avoid crowds and have enough time for breaks at viewpoints

Reviews

Bealey Spur Track offers a mix of experiences, with some reviewers recommending continuing past the hut to reach stunning summit views. The track is described as steep, muddy/icy in parts but rewarding with fantastic panoramic views of Bealey River and snow-capped mountains. Some found the hike rough at times but enjoyable, especially for bird watching and spotting fungi. Hikers are advised to wear proper hiking shoes/boots due to the uneven terrain. Overall, visitors praise the track for its breathtaking scenery and relatively moderate difficulty level.
Review score
4.8
out of 5
Exceptional
70 reviews
From Google
Review score
4.6
out of 5
Wonderful
47 reviews
From Tripadvisor
5 stars
62
4 stars
3
3 stars
4
2 stars
0
1 star
1
5/5Barbara F
•
Jun 21, 2024 from
Google
I would reccomend either going after the hut to the summit (approx 2h30 walk one way) or stopping at the first view point at 1h walk. The view at the hut is only trees so it doesnt worth stopping there. We reached the top (almost) and it definitly worth the hike (wich is steep and muddy/icy)
5/5Jacqueline Z
•
Mar 14, 2025 from
Google
Best “bang for your buck” hike in the area. You get amazing views without having to exert yourself much. The hike is a lot more steady than inclined, so it’s a good low to moderate hike for a slower day. You start out in the woods, which is cool, but the star of the show is the views you get at the overlook. There are quite a few peek a boo views to keep you going. There is a bit of a trek up from the parking lot to the start of the hike.
5/5Happydoory Y
•
Sep 30, 2025 from
Google
This is Early Sep in Bealey Spur Track. We enjoy the track, it's easy track.BUT! Spending a night in the hut was quite a challenging experience.It's a handy beautiful hut for sure. You have to chop your own firewood and prepare enough for the night. However, since the fireplace was far from the beds, the warmth never really reached us, and we spent the night shivering, barely able to sleep. Still, it was an enjoyable experience overall — the snow was both a blessing and a struggle, but the snowy scenery was undeniably soothing and beautiful.
5/5Charlotte L
•
Mar 30, 2025 from
Google
Bealey spur track is a lovely 5 hour day walk. 2.5 hours each way. Stunning scenic views. I would recommend going on a clear day. Camping at the hut would be nice but the hut itself is pretty basic
5/5Kwee (
•
Dec 11, 2023 from
Google
Embarking from a beech forest where native mistletoe and deer sightings are possible, the trail features steady inclined walks. This well-maintained path culminates near the summit, offering a sweeping panoramic view of the Bealey River and mountains, some adorned with snow caps in December. The experience of this view is highly rewarding. While we completed the hike in 2.5 hours, proficient hikers can accomplish it in just 1.5 hours. Parking is situated at the base of the hill.
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Map
Address
Cloudesley Road Arthur's Pass National, New Zealand
Website
https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/canterbury/places/arthurs-pass-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/bealey-spur-track/
Cloudesley Road Arthur's Pass National, New Zealand
https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/canterbury/places/arthurs-pass-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/bealey-spur-track/
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