Things to do in Hanmer Springs, Chatterton River track

Hanmer Springs lesser known walk, Chatterton River, with options.

Our Star rating is 4 ½ out of 5 (from Hanmer Apartments).

Distance is 6.2 km return, route type is loop with some short steep climbs in native forest.
Shorter loop of 4 km return before last steep climb up to Jacks Pass.
​Can combine onto Mt Isobel track or Mt Dumblane track for serious walkers.

Elevation gain is 480 m up & same back down, time required is 2.5 to 3 hours return.

Fitness required is intermediate (if you are not used to longer walks with incline, do not attempt).

Sensible walking shoes or boots required. Track can be muddy if recent rain.

NZTopo50 – BU24
Maximum elevation is 880 m (top of Jacks Pass).

Features:
Can be used as the start for a full day tramp if wanting to conquer Mt Isobel or Mt Dumblane.
Track is adjacent to the Chatterton River on a stock route which loops back via the original bridle track over Jacks Pass.
Views of Hanmer Basin can be enjoyed from Jacks Pass which is half-way before returning via loop.
Beautiful mountain beech forest & wild flowers highlight the walk with soothing river sounds.
Once in the valley proper you gain a sense of remoteness & solitude that is not always found in the more frequented walks around Hanmer.
Some steep spots on track near summit, so not for novices.

How to get there:
From Hanmer Springs travel west along Jacks Pass road until the end. Keep going past the AA camp & follow unsealed road for another 1.3 km until you find a small carpark. (Total is 10 minutes’ drive from the thermal pools).
Safety:
Plan your trip, tell someone your plans.
Be aware of the weather (if you cannot see the summit before starting out, do not attempt).
Take sufficient supplies, know your limits.
Do not attempt after high rainfall locally.

Tip:

Bring along drinking water, as track remains a short distance from river most of the way up.

Further advice:

Naturally, you can ask Amy or Shane at Hanmer Apartments when you stay with us!