Mt Bealey Track
Located in Arthur's Pass National Park in the Canterbury region
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Introduction
This steep, rugged track leads to the bush line on Mt Bealey. It is suitable for experienced trampers only.Walking and tramping
Advanced: Tramping trackSeasonal restrictions
During winter this area may be covered in snow. Avalanches can cross the track.
Dog access
Mt Bealey Track starts at the end of Mount Bealey Road in Arthur’s Pass village. It is a rugged tramping track that climbs steeply to the bush line.
Stick to the track by closely watching the orange triangles. There are markers of other colours indicating traplines, do not follow these.
The track ends at the bush line. There are good views here of Arthur’s Pass and the surrounding mountains.
Even though Mt Bealey Track is a day walk, you still need to be ready for delays or an unexpected night out. This includes carrying warm and waterproof clothes, an emergency shelter, spare food, a torch and extra batteries, and a distress beacon as well as a fully charged mobile phone.
The track gains a lot of height in a short distance, so it is best suited to people with good fitness. It is uneven and you will need to scramble up/down tree roots.
Do not try take alternative routes to the village by walking off-track in the bush or following the streams, there are steep cliffs.
There are additional hazards in winter, including snow, freezing temperatures and avalanche risk. Avalanche paths are not marked but avalanches can cross the track.
Note: Mt Bealey Track is in a different part of Arthur’s Pass to the popular Bealey Spur Track and Hut and to Bealey Valley Track/Bealey Chasm. These are both easier alternative tracks with excellent scenery.
There is no track to the Mt Bealey summit
There is no track or marked route above the bush line to the top of Mt Bealey. Do not proceed beyond this point unless you are an experienced and well-equipped tramper. You need a high level of alpine tramping experience to continue to the top, including route-finding, map reading and survival skills.
Avalanche Peak is an alternative trip that does have marked routes to the summit (though note that it also requires good weather, fitness, experience and preparation).
There are very steep sections and fall risks above the bush line on Mt Bealey. The summit is a considerable distance from the end of the track. Be ready to turn back if the weather deteriorates or if the terrain/navigation is proving more difficult than expected.
In winter or when snow is present, you will need an ice axe, crampons, an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel, as well as the ability to use them.
Mt Bealey Track begins at the end of Mount Bealey Road, off SH73 in Arthur’s Pass village.
This track is for experienced trampers
It is steep and rugged. Stay on the track by following the orange markers.
Make sure you have shared your plans with a trusted contact.
Check the weather
Forecast for Arthur’s Pass village and Avalanche Peak
There is no track above the bush line
Do not proceed beyond this point unless you are an experienced and well-equipped tramper. You need a high level of alpine tramping experience to continue to the top, including route-finding, map reading and survival skills. There are very steep sections and fall risks. Be ready to turn back if the weather deteriorates or if it is proving more difficult than expected.
Do not take alternative routes off-track or follow the streams
There are no off-track or stream-bed routes down from the mountain. If you attempt to come down the mountain not on the track, you are likely to encounter steep cliffs.
Expect snow, ice and avalanche risk in winter
This track can be covered in snow in winter. You may need winter alpine equipment and snowcraft skills, plus avalanche assessment skills and equipment.
One or more avalanche paths cross this track. Avalanches are more likely to cross the track during and after heavy snow or rain when there is already a lot of snow on the high mountains. The avalanche paths on this track are not marked.
The track passes through known kiwi habitat. Kea are often seen and heard in the area, as well as other native birds such as titipounamu/riflemen, toutouwai/south island robin, and miromiro/tomtit.
Contacts
| Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre | |
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| Phone | +64 3 318 9211 |
| arthurspassvc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | 104 West Coast Road Arthur's Pass 7654 |
| Hours | Visitor centre hours and services |