Huatakerekere/Little Mount Peel

Loop

The track includes several sections of wooden boardwalks designed to protect the fragile alpine environment. Be cautious here—these can be incredibly slippery when wet or covered in a dusting of frost. Just below the summit, you’ll encounter the Tristam Harper Memorial Shelter. It’s a perfect spot to huddle out of the wind for a quick snack and a layer change before the final push to the summit trig.

For the descent, many hikers choose to turn this into a loop by taking the South Ridge Track. Fair warning: this route is significantly steeper and involves some rocky scrambling. It’s a bit of a "kneebreaker," but it offers a different perspective of the mountain and connects back to the Emily Falls Track lower down, eventually leading you back to the Blandswood area.

Highlights & Must-See Features

The obvious highlight is the summit vista. Reaching the 1311-metre trig station feels like standing on the edge of the world. On a blue-bird day, you can see the coastline of the South Island curving away into the distance, while the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana rise up behind you in a jagged wall of rock and ice.

Nature lovers should keep their eyes peeled for the ancient podocarps. Seeing a tōtara that was a sapling during the Middle Ages is a humbling experience. These trees are some of the best examples of original lowland forest left in the region.

If you take the South Ridge descent, the rugged rock formations provide fantastic photo opportunities. The contrast between the golden tussocks, the grey rock, and the deep green of the forest below makes for some stunning landscape photography.

Getting There

To find the trailhead, head toward the village of Peel Forest, which is about a 90-minute drive from Christchurch or 25 minutes from Geraldine. Follow the signs to the Blandswood area.

Parking: There is a dedicated car park located at the junction of Blandswood Road and Lookout Road. It is important to note that while Lookout Road continues further up, it is a narrow access way and is not suitable for parking. Stick to the main car park at the junction to avoid congestion and respect the local residents.

Wildlife Spotting

Peel Forest is a haven for native birdlife, and the "birdsong symphony" is often the soundtrack to your hike.

• Kererū (New Zealand Pigeon): Look for these large, heavy birds in the lower forest. You’ll often hear them before you see them—their wings make a distinctive, low-frequency "whoosh-whoosh" sound as they fly between trees.
• Fantail (Pīwakawaka): These cheeky little birds will likely follow you along the lower sections of the track, darting around to catch the insects your boots stir up.
• Bellbird (Korimako) and Tūī: Their melodic, bell-like notes ring out through the podocarp canopy year-round.
• New Zealand Falcon (Kārearea): If you are lucky, you might spot a falcon soaring over the open tussock slopes near the summit. They are fast, aggressive hunters and a rare treat to see in the wild.
• Kea: While more common in the higher Alps, these inquisitive alpine parrots are occasionally spotted visiting the summit of Little Mount Peel. If you see one, remember to keep your gear close—they are famous for "inspecting" (and dismantling) backpacks and boots!

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Summer: Offers the most stable weather and long daylight hours, though the climb can be very hot and exposed once you leave the forest.
• Autumn: Often brings crisp, clear days with the best visibility for those coastal views.
• Winter: Turns the mountain into a snowy wonderland. However, winter hiking here is for the experienced only. Crampons and an ice axe are often necessary, and the boardwalks become treacherous ice traps.
• Spring: Watch for the alpine flora starting to bloom, but be prepared for "four seasons in one day" weather.

• Start Early: Aim to be on the trail by 8:00 AM. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy the summit without rushing and usually beats the strongest heat of the afternoon sun.
• Gear Up: Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support are a must for the rocky South Ridge and the steep Deer Spur.
• Water: There are no reliable water sources once you start climbing. Carry at least 2–3 litres per person, especially in summer.
• Weather Watch: This is an alpine environment. Canterbury is famous for its Nor'west winds, which can buffet the summit with gale-force gusts even if it feels calm in the forest. Always check the mountain forecast before you head out.
• Dogs and Kids: This track is not dog-friendly (to protect the native birdlife) and is not recommended for young children due to the sheer physical exertion required and the exposed, steep sections near the top.

Local & Regional Context

The mountain is known to Māori as Huatakerekere. For the local iwi (tribes), the Peel Forest area has long been a place of significance for gathering food and resources. The forest itself is a "biological island"—a tiny remnant of the vast podocarp forests that once blanketed the entire Canterbury region before being cleared for timber and farming in the 1800s.

The fact that we can still walk among these thousand-year-old trees today is thanks to early conservation efforts. Peel Forest was one of New Zealand’s first "scenic reserves," protected as early as the 1890s. As you hike, you are walking through a living museum of New Zealand’s natural heritage.

After the Walk

After descending 950 metres, your legs will likely be screaming for a rest and your stomach for a feed. Fortunately, one of the best post-hike spots in Canterbury is just 2.5km down the road.

The Green Man Licensed Cafe is a legendary local institution in the heart of Peel Forest village. It is the quintessential "hikers' hut" turned cafe. Inside, you’ll find a warm, rustic atmosphere with a roaring fire in the winter and a sun-drenched deck for the summer. They serve fantastic hearty meals, great coffee, and have an excellent selection of craft beers—perfect for a celebratory toast to your successful summit. If you happen to be there on a weekend, you might even catch some live local music to soothe your tired muscles.

Best time: Year-round