Trig M Track: The best beginner hike in Canterbury

There are plenty of tracks in Canterbury to choose from but I have to say if you’re looking for a beginner hike in Canterbury or just need something a bit easier, the Trig M track is one of the best.

It has been a go-to hike for me for years and one I started on to help build my fitness for taller and longer tracks. Trig M is also a track I like to do in the wintertime depending on how much snow has fallen in the previous days. The face gets good sunlight so often it’s not too icey.

There are two ways to get to the summit which sits just over 1200 meters and both tracks offer a different yet still easier walk. One track starting from Starvation gully is more undulating which is what makes it a great beginner track. It’s still a hike, so of course, there are some uphill sections but unlike many tracks, they are all followed by a flattening of the landscape which is perfect to have a little break and to catch your breath. The other way from Coach stream is longer but more of a gradual incline until it meets up with the track from Starvation Gully.

Track options

Coach Stream track

1251 meters | 551 m gain | 11 km return | 4-4.5 hour return

The Coach stream track starts at the bottoms of Porter’s Pass. There is a small car park and signage just before you start to go up on the Porter’s pass. It can be easy to miss if you’re not on the lookout for it.

This track is the longer of the two and takes about 2.5-3 hours and 5.5 km one way. It is a gradual uphill walk and well marked. As you can see from the map, the track meets up with the Starvation Gully track for that last short leg to the summit.

It’s a well-formed track moving through the valley alongside Beech forest in some places. Being that this does go through private land, Benmore station, it’s not uncommon to see cows grazing or have to dodge some patties along the track. It’s straightforward and likely to have a bit more shade than the Starvation Gully track being in the valley.

Important note: Dogs are prohibited on the Coach Stream track and it is closed for lambing from October 1st to November 20th.

Starvation Gully Track

1251 meters | 370 m gain | 6.4 km return | 2.5 hours return (~1.5 hours up, 45 minutes down)

Another track start is the Starvation Gully track. It’s about 4.5 km from where the Coach stream track starts off of SH73. There is a small layby lane on the left-hand side (if you’re coming from Christchurch/east side) and a sign at the track start with track details but nothing indicating ahead of time. It shouldn’t be hard to spot but if you reach Lake Lyndon, you’ve gone too far.

This is the track I always take getting up to Trig M and has certainly grown in popularity over the last few years. The track is well-formed, no narrow ridges or anything and is marked the entire way. It’s quite family-friendly as well and below is an outline of what the hike is like.

Important note: there are no seasonal track restrictions and dogs are allowed!

The Ascent

The track starts by hopping over a stile at the car park where there is a sign laying out the track and some of the details. It’s a short walk through tussocks which in some parts can get a little boggy on either side of the track as there’s a creek running alongside the fence line. I’ve never got my feet wet but have made a few jumps around and over.

It’s not too long before the first ascent starts. I consider it to be steep if you haven’t done much hiking but it really only lasts about 30 to 40 minutes or so before the track levels off a tad. Just enough for a breather before it starts to go up again.

Just before the track meets up with the Coach Stream track, the path levels off to a bit of a ridge and then becomes more undulating, some downhill sections before a good uphill push to the top.

The last part of the track to the top in my opinion is probably the hardest, more so coming down. It’s a short steep climb and the terrain in some parts is shingley. I find it harder to come down just making sure I don’t slip on the rocks. Having said this, it’s not so steep that if you slipped you’d just fall down the track so don’t worry. It’s very manageable and even after I’ve been hiking for a while I still take my time.

The summit

The summit of Trig M is covered in tussocks and has plenty of spots to sit for a bite to eat and take in the views.

Looking out to the north is the Craigieburn Range. Mountains for miles. To the east, if it’s not too hazy you can see out to Christchurch and over the Canterbury Plains. Views stretch over the Rakaia Valley, Mt Hutt and surrounding mountain ranges. Lake Lyndon is down below with Mt Lyndon directly across. Once you’ve been up there and take in the sights you’ll know immediately that your effort was totally worth it!

Of course with views like that, there are plenty of photo opportunities and more than enough room to move around capturing different angles and scenes. You can find some rocks to sit on and if you’ve gone on a sunny day, I recommend bringing a polarizer if you have a camera.

The Descent

This is an out and back track so you get down the same way you come up! Pretty straightforward forward just take extra care on some of the downhill with the shingle. It can be hard to get a good grip at points. If you need some extra support, walking poles are wonderful!

when to go

I would consider this a good track for all year round of course depending on snowfalls. Autumn to early winter would likely be the nicest time as it’s not as hot outside. If you’re lucky some mountains nearby may have some snow on them which makes for a more dramatic landscape. The track is exposed the entire way so it gets pretty hot walking it in the middle of the day in summer.

Because it is so exposed be sure to check up on the weather and pack accordingly. It’s still a doable track on a windier day, although I’m not keen hiking in the wind, but you want to make sure you’re prepared in case the temperature drops.

How to get there

Both trailheads are off of SH 73. Coach Stream starts at the beginning of Porter’s Pass (coming from Christchurch) and Starvation Gully coming down from Porter’s Pass, just before Lake Lyndon.