Hiking Foggy Peak- all you need to know

Foggy Peak can be described as steep, challenging and character-building. Before you think nope, this track is not for me, the views from the top and the feeling of accomplishment is well worth the effort.

I wouldn’t suggest heading up Foggy Peak for your first hike. I’m not going to lie, it’s not an easy walk being that i’ts just, straight up the mountain. But, if you have some peaks under your belt already, this could very well be your next track to conquer. And a really good one at that.

Although this is a mostly unmarked track, it’s pretty straightforward. The challenge lies in the steep ascent paired with a shingle path pretty much the entire way up. You cover 800 meters of elevation gain, over 2 kilometers- that’s pretty steep! There is a silver lining there though and that is that it is only 2 km one way! Hopefully, that helps put you at ease a little bit.

The other great thing about Foggy Peak is that it is a dog friendly hike in Canterbury so there will likely be plenty of chances for some pats!

Track details

1741m | 800 m gain | 4.4 km return | 2.5 to 3.5 hour return

The Ascent

The track starts from the layby lane at the top of Porter’s pass. A definite track at the beginning isn’t as clear to see as the gradient is already pretty steep and all you really see are tussocks. Once you start walking it’s not too hard to find a path though. It’s harder to pick which one to go on as there are many going up the hill. Some from trampers before and some I think are just naturally formed paths as rocks have fallen down the face.

There are orange markers for about a third of the way up until the tussocks end and it turns into a scree face. If you keep an eye on those and head in their direction that should help you from taking too many extra steps. As long as you’re heading up, you really can’t go wrong. I will warn you, this isn’t the steepest part of the track and probably the nicest in terms of terrain. It is rocky but I find stepping in amongst tussocks does help get your footing as opposed to the loose steep shingle that’s ahead.

Once you get to the scree face, it’s very clear where to go with a well-walked path. There are some sections that flatten out ever so slightly but nothing that really gives your lungs and legs a break, not for me anyway. There also aren’t too many spots going up to sit down for a break either. There is a boulder once you get past the tussocks that I’ve sat down at a few times but it’s not the easiest moving around there as it’s rocky and steep.

The best plan of attack is just slow and steady, one foot in front of the other! I would suggest taking walking poles. They definitely helped me to keep balanced and gave that extra support going up and down.

In all honestly, the first time I attempted Foggy Peak I ended up turning around not long after getting out of the tussock sort of area. I just wasn’t in the right headspace to be going straight up a mountain. I think though, I worried more about coming down on such a steep path knowing it was that hard-packed shingle in some spots which is actually quite slippery.

summit views

The views at the summit are pretty amazing but the cool thing is, you get views the entire way up Foggy Peak! Views spread across the Canterbury plains, the Big Ben, Mt Hutt and Craigieburn ranges. You can see out over Lake Lyndon (which is my fav view!) and over the Castle Hill Peak and the Torlesse Range.

It’s pretty impressive from the top and I’d say even more so with a dusting of snow!

The Descent

Getting down from Foggy Peak was what I was most worried about. All because of that hard-packed shingle that you can get a good grip on. You know what I’m talking about! That paired with a steep gradient doesn’t do much for my confidence. In saying that though, it is doable and achievable to get down. People do it all the time you just want to take it slow.

The best option though is actually going off track and walking down the scree or doing a scree run as many call it. It looks way scarier than it actually is but in my opinion 10 times easier to come down on.

If you’re a seasoned tramper doing a variety of terrain you’re likely pretty confident getting down on the scree. If it’s something you’ve never done before (like it was for me) it is helpful to go with someone who has gone before mostly just to show you that it’s not scary. The jist is that you want to dig your heels in a bit and stay where the rocks are loose. You’ll feel it when it becomes a bit hard so just move away from it. The scree on Foggy Peak is quite big and jagged so you don’t sink in too much and I found it makes it pretty easy going.

I walked down the scree in at a pretty conservative pace but I saw others go down quite quickly. Even after that one time, I can honestly say, I’m pretty confident to give it another go without hesitation.

Alternative routes

There aren’t any alternative routes to get up to Foggy Peak, none that I know of anyways. You can however get to Castle Hill Peak and The gap from the Foggy peak track. Castle Hill Peak is about another 2 km from Foggy Peak and the Gap even further. It’s not the same relentless uphill to get to Castle Hill Peak but it is steep in some spots and harder than what it looks. If your plan is to get to Castle Hill Peak or further definitely start early to give yourself enough time.

For the most part, you come down the same way you go up. The option being to go off path a bit and come down the scree. I have made a bit of a loop, heading down to the spur beside the start. It made it a bit interesting as a bit of bush bashing was involved. I don’t particularly recommend going that way but it is possible and you won’t get bluffed out.

When to go

I would say the best time to go is between later spring to Autumn when there isn’t any snow on the track. Since the track is exposed the entire way, it can get quite hot in the summertime so you’ll likely want to start early. Apart from that, it’s a great one to do most of the year.

It is possible to hike in the winter but be prepared for an icey track. Crampons may be needed and maybe even an ice axe. If you’re going on to Castle Hill Peak in the winter you’ll definitely want to be equipped.

What to pack/wear

Depending on the time of year, you may opt for shorts instead of tights or pants and vice versa. In any season, I would recommend having a warmer layer in your pack like a fleece and in the early spring, fall and winter months having a jacket like a puffer. Foggy Peak is quite tall and even in the nicest weather, it can get chilly at the top.

Here’s what was in my pack for Foggy Peak (minus my camera gear)

How to get there

The Foggy Peak track starts at the layby at the top of Porter’s Pass. There isn’t a sign that’s easily spotted on the road but it’s pretty clear to see the parking area. The image below is shot from where I was parked.

I hope I have prepared you for what to expect on Foggy Peak but also inspired you to go! If you’re planning on going or have already been, let me know in the comments below!