Hanmer Springs Walks

Hanmer Springs is fortunate to have a extensive network of both walking and mountain biking tracks. From the flat Heritage forest network to the towering Mount Isobel the choice is yours. Below we have included a description of many of the tracks that you can enjoy walking. For riding options click on the mountain biking section. Full printed maps or both walks and rides are available from the information centre and shops around the village.

Hanmer Heritage Forest (15mins to 1 hour)
A stunning area of exotic trees right next to the Hanmer village, a virtual square block which is criss- crossed by tracks. Some areas of the forest are over 100 years old and have become well established and developed unique environments. Over 50 types of tree can be found and many are labelled for information. The heritage forest block lies between Jollies Pass Rd and Scarborough Terrace on the Eastern side of the village. Access can be gained either along Jollies Pass Rd or across Dogs Stream (Scarborough Terrace, Leamington Street & Bath Street).
Although there are marked routes through the forest, we recommend you just explore. It is hard to get lost with signs at regular intervals.

Conical Hill Walk (1 hour return)
A must do walk for any visit to Hanmer Springs, challenge to those not used to the hills. Head straight up Conical Hill road and take the path to the right as the road bends to the left. The track zig zags all the way up the hill, a steady smooth climb which you feel in the legs. The panoramic views of the Hanmer basin at the top are well worth the climb and offer a welcome rest before the cruise down the hill.

Upper Dog Stream Track – Jolliffe Saddle Track (1 hr 30 min - 2 hr 30 min return)
This walk begins 1 km up Jollies Pass Rd and meets the Nature Trail and Waterfall Track. Start at Jollies Pass Rd carpark, cross the foot bridge at the picnic area and follow Dog Stream Track. Continue walking upstream to Jolliffe Saddle and climb over the saddle. The downhill Timberlands Trail connects with Woodland Walk. This links back to the picnic area.

Waterfall Track (5 hours return)
The track starts from the end of Mullans Rd and climbs up to the 41 metre high Dog Stream Waterfall, a reasonable level of fitness is required as those not used to walking may find the climb a little tough. A superb loop track can be taken by coming back via the Spur track and Fir Trail to the waterfall carpark.
A full day’s walk from Hanmer Springs can be made by using Timberlands–Jolliffe Saddle Tracks to connect with Waterfall and Dog Stream Track to make a round trip.  

 Mt Isobel Walks
Mount Isobel can either be climbed from Hanmer Springs or you can cheat and drive up Jacks pass and make the 40 minute walk from the road. Either way a significant climb to the summit of 1324 metres, well worth the climb with stunning panoramic views. To reach the summit from Hanmer, head for the Waterfall track and then follow signs off to Mount Isobel.

A map covering all the walks around the Hanmer area is available from the HanmerNZ office for $3. (see below)