Timing

This walk is often a good choice when north-westerly winds are bringing rain to Arthur’s Pass - being further east, it is drier in these conditions. The track also appeals to many walkers because it is more gradual than most of the alpine tracks around Arthur’s Pass Village, and it does not climb above the bush-line. It is also well marked and is suitable for reasonably fit people who are well equipped.

Access

The carpark is at the bottom of Cloudesley Road in the missable village of Bealey 1 km east of the famous Bealey Hotel. The start of the track is signposted 500m further up at the road end. There is no parking here and no turning either.

Track

This walk is often a good choice when north-westerly winds are bringing rain to Arthur’s Pass - being further east, it is drier in these conditions. The track also appeals to many walkers because it is more gradual than most of the alpine tracks around Arthur’s Pass Village, and it does not climb above the bush-line. It is also well marked and is suitable for reasonably fit people who are well equipped.

The steady climb starts through mountain beech forest before entering low manuka scrub and then a red tussock clearing. These are the first of the extensive views over the ranges of Arthurs Pass National Park, including the Polar and Savannah Ranges. On re-entering the forest there is a particularly muddy patch. On exiting the forest again, boardwalks protect the fragile alpine vegetation and tarns. Poles guide you through the tussock clearings and these are invaluable if the cloud rolls in. Keep climbing to Bealey Top Hut (signposted Bealey Spur Hut), an old musterers Hut on the forest edge.

In the vicinity of the hut are remains of the old holding fences and dog kennels. A basic toilet is near the hut and some smoky drinking water.

Geology

The braided Waimakariri River shines like intertwining silver threads as it weaves a course through the ranges. With a catchment of around 2,500 km square, it is fed by rivers such as the Bealey, Esk and Poulter. Its name translates as ‘cold waters’.

The ranges of Arthurs Pass form part of the main Southern Alps.

European History

Top Hut, as the shack was known, was built in 1935 by Walter Taylor and Harry Faulkner. These owners of Cora Lynn Station would spend time on the tops in an area known as ‘Powers Country’ and the hut was used by musterers until the area was incorporated into Arthurs Pass National Park in 1978. It is made from beech saplings for the framing and clad in corrugate iron.

Musterers enjoyed a good night’s sleep on diamond mesh bed bases with chaff sack mattresses. Around 6,000 sheep grazed the tops here.