The most scenic hike in Canterbury: Peak Hill

Let me introduce one of the most scenic hikes, in my opinion anyways, Peak Hill in the beautiful Canterbury region. I’ve said it many times but this hike is like the Roy’s Peak of Canterbury. Without the hours of an upward slog and line up to take ‘the shot’. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t an easy hike but after a few hours you’ll be standing on the top of the hill with 360-degree views around you.

I’ve walked up Peak Hill a handful of times now and although I know what to expect I’m still blown away by the beauty every time. The hill is much more like a mountain and I’ll admit arriving at the car park the walk does feel a tad intimidating but it is totally worth it! Give a good effort and you’ll be rewarded.

How to get there:

Peak Hill is about 90 minutes from Christchurch. Head to Darfield or Hororata to get onto State Highway 77. From there turn onto Coleridge Road then onto Homestead Road. Only about a minute up that road will be the turn for Algidus Road which is where the Peak Hill carpark is. There is a sign at the Homestead/Algidus intersection and a DOC sign at the Peak Hill car park. The last 7 km or so is gravel and being an agricultural area be aware of livestock and farmers out and about.

The track details:

Peak Hill track starts like many high country Canterbury walks. Through a paddock of sheep following the fenceline. Once you hop over the challenge really starts. In my opinion, it’s the hardest part of the track simply because the path is covered in loose rock and it’s hard to get your footing. Even after walking up here more than a few times, this first 40 always gets me. It is steep but the path hardens up after about 40 minutes and is much easier to navigate. Surrounded by alpine vegetation you gain altitude rather quickly before meeting the ridgeline.

This is where you have a little break before dropping and then climbing again. The ridgeline is a little skinny and quite rocky so you’ll want to pay attention but I’ll admit it’s a good break. There are a few false summits walking back up again. The track becomes steep in spots again which I find it harder coming down than going up but just as you are tired of it, the track cooperates a bit more again. The real summit comes into view when you least expect it though and is the most pleasant of surprises!

The view from the top will move you. It will make you feel alive and so small at the same time putting a smile on your face. It did for me anyways. I had to be careful not to give myself whiplash trying to see everything at once. It is a 360-degree view up there. The Southern Alps to the west, the Rakaia River meeting the Wilberforce down below and Lake Coleridge sparkling amongst a patchwork of shades of green.

It’s incredible up on Peak Hill. About 2 hours to get up, 1.5 to get down. I feel like I could sit at the top for hours which the second time I went up, I did as I started at 6 am and had to wait for the inversion layer to clear. One of the most peaceful moments I had in a very long time. I think the only downside to walking up Peak Hill is having to walk down. It’s not the walking part but leaving the top part. I usually try to explore new walks when I want to get out hiking but Peak Hill is one I will do over and over again.

Things to note:

This track is open the entire way. I love tracks like this but it is very susceptible to all the elements and when it is windy out there, it is windy! Don’t forget your sunscreen and hat as well as there is literally no shade anywhere except at the very beginning. Like any hiking adventure, be sure to check the weather before you go. The south can also get quite slippery come wintertime so it’s not a bad idea to bring crampons just in case.

I also suggest bringing a trekking pole or two to have for the first bit of the track especially if you’re not quite as stable on your feet yet. I find them really helpful going down especially to avoid falling into a Spaniard plant. Which I’ve done and it’s not fun.