Bealey Spur Track

The Bealey Spur Track is commonly done as a long out-and-back day hike, and the walk to Bealey Spur Hut is signposted at about 2 hours 30 minutes one way. With the full route measuring 15.66 km, most hikers should allow a solid half day, with extra time for breaks, mud, and slower travel on the climb.

The Bealey Spur Track is a difficult hike with 896 m of elevation gain over 15.66 km. Although the climb is more gradual than some Arthur’s Pass routes, the track can still be muddy, rough, and rooty, and higher sections can be exposed to wind, cold, and winter snow.

The Bealey Spur Track gains 896 m from trailhead to high point. That amount of climbing, combined with a 15.66 km route length, makes it a demanding outing even though the path follows a steady spur rather than a technical alpine route.

Bealey Spur Hut sits at about 1,000 m above sea level. The historic hut is the turnaround point for many hikers on the Bealey Spur Track and stands in a clearing above the beech forest, with broad views over the Waimakariri valley and surrounding mountains.

Yes. There is a long-drop toilet at Bealey Spur Hut, and the hut also has tank water nearby. The hut itself is very basic, with six bunks, so facilities are limited, but there is a toilet at the end of the main climb.

The Bealey Spur Track starts from a car park off State Highway 73, just past the Bealey Hotel and about 14 km south of Arthur’s Pass village. From the parking area, the route follows Cloudesley Road up to the signed track start before climbing through mountain beech forest toward the hut.

The Bealey Spur Track calls for sturdy shoes with good grip because the trail can be muddy and rough with roots underfoot. At least 1 liter of water per person is recommended because there are no drinkable water sources along the way, and extra warm and waterproof layers are important because higher sections can be windy, cold, and snowy in winter.