Jacks Pass to Mt Isobel Track

Out and back

A quick note for families: while your four-legged friends are more than welcome on this track (it is dog friendly!), it’s generally considered not kid friendly due to the steep drops, loose footing, and the physical demand of the constant ascent.

Highlights & Must-See Features

The undisputed crown jewel of this hike is the 360-degree panorama from the 1309m summit. Once you reach the trig, the world opens up in every direction. To the south, the Hanmer Basin looks like a toy village, with the geometric lines of the forest tracks and the shimmering Waiau River carving through the plains.

Looking north and west, the landscape becomes significantly wilder. You’ll see the rugged peaks of the Hanmer Range and, on a clear day, you can peer into the vast, remote territories of the Rainbow and Molesworth stations. There is something deeply humbling about seeing the contrast between the lush Waiau Plain and the high-country "moonscape" of the interior. If you’re lucky with the visibility, you might even catch a glimpse of the distant coastline.

For the photographers, the ridge lines offer dramatic leading lines for your shots, especially when the golden light hits the tussock in the late afternoon. The geological transition from the green basin to the grey, shattered rock of the summit also makes for some striking natural contrasts.

Getting There

To get to the trailhead, you’ll need to head out of Hanmer Springs and take Jacks Pass Road, which then turns into Clarence Valley Road. It’s about a 7-kilometre trip from the centre of town, taking roughly 20 minutes.

The road becomes unsealed shortly after you leave the township. While it is generally well-maintained and suitable for 2WD vehicles during dry summer conditions, it is a true backcountry road. This means it can be prone to corrugations, and in the winter or shoulder seasons, you might encounter ice or snow. Drive to the conditions, and keep an eye out for oncoming traffic on the narrower bends. You’ll find a medium-sized dirt parking lot at the top of Jacks Pass which serves as the trailhead.

Wildlife Spotting

Despite the harsh sub-alpine environment, there is plenty of life to be found if you keep your eyes peeled.

• Kea: Keep an occasional eye on the sky or the rocky outcrops near the summit. These cheeky, highly intelligent alpine parrots are known to frequent the area. If you see one, remember to keep your gear close—they are famous for "inspecting" (and dismantling) backpacks and boots!
• New Zealand Pipit (Pihoihoi): These are very common along the track. They are small, streaky brown birds that love the open tussock and often run along the ground just ahead of you before taking flight.
• New Zealand Falcon (Kārearea): Though rare, these majestic hunters are sometimes seen soaring above the Hanmer Range. Unlike the larger harrier hawk, the falcon is smaller, faster, and has pointed wings.
• Kererū and Fantail (Pīwakawaka): You might spot these in the lower scrubby sections near the start of the pass. The Kererū’s heavy wing-beats are unmistakable, while the Fantails will likely follow you for a bit, snacking on the insects your boots kick up.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

Mount Isobel is a peak for all seasons, but each brings its own personality:

• Summer: The most popular time. It can get incredibly hot on the exposed faces, so an early start (7:00 am or 8:00 am) is highly recommended to beat the midday sun.
• Autumn: Often provides the most stable weather and the clearest views. The crisp air makes the climb feel a little less taxing.
• Winter: Turns the track into a true alpine challenge. Snow and ice are common, and the track can be dangerous without the right equipment (and experience). The views of the snow-capped Southern Alps are, however, unparalleled.
• Spring: A beautiful time to see the alpine flora waking up, though be prepared for "four seasons in one day" weather.

What to pack: Even if it’s a bluebird day in the village, the summit of Mt Isobel can be ten degrees colder with a biting wind. You must pack a waterproof jacket, several warm layers (merino or fleece), and wear sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support for the rocky sections. Take at least 2 litres of water per person, as there are no reliable water sources once you leave the car park. Sun protection is a must—the NZ sun is fierce at 1300 metres.

Weather Note: Be wary of the Nor'west winds. Hanmer can experience incredibly strong gusts that make being on an exposed ridge quite unpleasant (and sometimes unsafe). Check the high-level mountain forecast before you head out.

Local & Regional Context

Hanmer Springs, or Te Whakatakanga o te Ngārahu o te Ahi a Tamatea, has a rich history deeply tied to its geology. The same fault lines that created the thermal waters the town is famous for also shaped the dramatic rise of the Hanmer Range and Mount Isobel.

For centuries, the area was a transit point for Māori moving between the east coast and the pounamu (greenstone) rivers of the West Coast. In more recent colonial history, the pass was named after Thomas Hanmer, an early settler, and the area became a hub for high-country farming and, eventually, alpine tourism.

The Mount Isobel area is part of a wider conservation effort to protect the unique sub-alpine biodiversity of Canterbury. When you walk here, you are stepping through a landscape that has been carved by ice and tectonic shifts—a true piece of the "Canterbury High Country" soul.

After the Walk

One of the best things about the Jacks Pass to Mt Isobel Track is that the finish line is only 20 minutes away from world-class recovery. Once you’ve descended and your knees are reminding you of those 471 metres, head back into town to refuel.

• Powerhouse Cafe & Restaurant: Perfect if you finish around lunchtime. It’s set in a beautiful historic building and serves up fantastic coffee and hearty, "real" food that caters well to the gluten-free and vegan crowd.
• Monteith's Brewery Bar: If your idea of a post-hike reward is a cold craft beer by a roaring fire, this is the spot. Their sharing platters are legendary and exactly what you need after burning those summit calories.
• Fire & Ice: A great all-rounder for a family dinner or a casual drink. They have large fireplaces and a vibrant atmosphere that feels very "alpine lodge."
• No.31 Restaurant & Bar: If you’re celebrating a successful summit or just want to treat yourself, this is the premier fine-dining spot in town. Their modern European menu featuring local NZ produce is the perfect way to cap off a memorable day.

And of course, no trip to Hanmer is complete without a soak in the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools. There is no better feeling in the world than sinking into a 40-degree sulphur pool and looking back up at the summit of Mount Isobel, knowing you were just standing on top of it.

Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae

New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.

Best time: Year-round