Bealey Spur
Arthur's Pass National Park, Craigieburn Forest Park
- 4 hr – 6 hr return by the same track
- Easy/medium
Gentle climb with generous views over Arthurs Pass and the Waimakariri River.
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Walking time
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1 – 2 days
4 hr – 6 hr
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Distance
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12.0km |
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Type
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Return by the same track
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Grade
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Easy/medium |
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Bookings
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No bookings — open access
No — open access
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Starts
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Cloudesley Road end, Bealey Settlement, off SH73. |
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Maps
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NZTopo50-BV20
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Altitude
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675m
–
1,200m
Altitude change 525m
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The track starts at Bealey Spur settlement off SH73 just a few minutes from the Bealey Hotel. There is a car parking area at the start of the track.
From the car park the track heads up through the beech forest which has some short steep sections. Watch for red mistletoe hanging from the trees in summer. After about an hour the track comes out to the view point at 900 metres and crosses into Arthur's Pass National Park.
The track continues through the forest and then on to the grassy undulating ridgeline. From the ridge, you will be rewarded with a fantastic view of Arthur's Pass and the Waimakariri River.
Bealey Spur Hut is located among dry beech forest just below the treeline. The hut is corrugated iron with beech pole framing. An historic musterers' hut, it was known as Top Hut and used by Cora Lynn Station. There are paddock fence and dog kennel remains around the hut. it received its first coat of paint as recently as 1997!