The Mt Guy track is located in the beautiful Hakatere Conservation Area right beside Lake Clearwater. It is a moderate hike with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding peaks including Mt D’Archiac, the highest peak between the Aoraki/Mt Cook region and the Kaikoura ranges.
This is a well-marked route with a few technical rocky bits leading to a flat tussock-cover summit. Nestled in Mid Canterbury, this track offers a great mix of alpine scenery, lake views, and high-country charm.
It is important to keep in mind that this track is open the entire way from start to finish whether you do a loop track or point to point. In the summer, the sun is in full force and the track is very exposed to the wind. In winter, the southern side of the Mt Guy can get chilly and icey from a lack of sun. It’s not too often through the winter that it is covered in snow but, it would be worth taking some microspikes if you decide to go soon after a snowfall.
Mt Guy track details
1319m | 671 m gain | 8.5km return | 3.5 -4 hour return
The ascent
The first half an hour or so of the track is nice and easy as you walk along Lake Clearwater. It is an undulating 4WD path with nothing tricky or steep to navigate. Once around east edge of the lake there is a DOC trailhead sign for the start of the track up the mountain. This sign indicates it’s 1 hour and 15 minutes to the summit. This can vary depending on fitness. It’s more useful to know that it’s about a 620m climb over 2km.
A tussock-lined single track starts to gradually climb near a gully before moving away and getting into more steep gravel terrain. The track is well-worn and easy to navigate but can be loose underfoot, especially if the shingle is dry. There are some large boulders to make your way around. Nothing too tricky, just steep in this section. Once you pass these big rocks, you’ll find yourself in tussock land again with the final bit of track to the summit flattening out.
The views from the top of Mt Guy are awesome! You’ll see all the high country lakes in the area and over to the Potts Range, Harper Range and the very tall Mount D’Archiac. It is extra special when the surrounding peaks have their blanket of snow!
The descent
You can choose to come down the same way which is very straightforward and no real threat of getting off track. If you decide to go off track be aware that much of the track is not far from a gully beside it. It is steep coming down so take your time over the gravel/shingle as it can be loose underfoot in some areas.
Alternative routes
There is another route option you can take to make this trip a loop. It is unmarked for part of the track but not too hard to get a sense of where to go. Instead of coming down, follow the ridge to the northwest of the summit.
The track heads down the mountain over tussock and random rocks linking to the Te Araroa Track. This track is located beside a pond and can get muddy. It’s a bit of a steep downhill to the Eastern Link track that flattens out. From there follow the track south and it links back up with the Lake Clearwater circuit. Turn left or follow it south to get back to the track you started off on in the morning.
Of course, you can do this loop in reverse. Whichever way you decide, the views are beautiful from every part!
Suggested track times:
- Lake Clearwater Circuit to trailhead: 25 -30 minutes
- Mt Guy trailhead to summit (approx. 2km): 1 hour 30 minutes
- Mt Guy summit (unmarked track) to saddle: 50-55 minutes
- Te Araroa Trail (approx. 1km): 15-20 minutes
- Eastern Link Track (approx. 2.18 km): 25 minutes
- Lake Clearwater Circuit Track: 35 minutes
How to get there
Turn onto Ashburton Gorge Road towards Mt Somers. Continue on this road which will then turn into Hakatere Potts Road. It turns into gravel when you reach the historic buildings on the left. Keep on this road until you get to Lake Clearwater which is the lake on the right-hand side. Lake Camp is on the left and the first one you see. Turn on any street where the batches are and make your way to the picnic area. This is the start of the trailhead and you’ll see a sign posted for the track.
Often in winter there will be a sign that says ‘track closed for winter’. This is referring to the 4WD track for driving, not for hiking.
Know before you go
- There are no toilets at the trailhead but instead at Lake Camp just off the side of the road
- Dogs are not allowed on this track
- Freedom camping is available around Lake Camp
Other tracks in the area
There are many other hikes in the area, some much more challenging than others. Mystery Lake has a few different routes to get to it. This article outlines a dog-friendly route
The Mt Harper Circuit is a challenging 7-9 hour hike.
For a multi-day hike, you could do a night in Boundary Creek hut then onto the Mt Potts track to the Potts hut. These are two big walking days. Find more about those tracks here.
There are various trails through the Hakatere so jump onto topo maps to see the options. Before getting into the lakes area, there is Mt Barossa, Woolshed Creek hut track and Mt Somers.
