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Hanmer Springs
6 km
4 hours 30 minutes
521 metres
If you’ve ever sat in the soothing turquoise waters of the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and looked up at the towering, forest-clad peaks surrounding the village, you’ve likely felt the pull of the mountains. While there are several ways to reach the summit of the iconic Mount Isobel, the Jollies Pass Road to Mt Isobel Track is the choice for those who prefer the road less travelled.
This isn't your standard gravel-path stroll; it’s a rugged, high-country adventure that demands a bit of grit, a decent pair of lungs, and—crucially—a sturdy vehicle to even get to the starting line. But for those who take on the challenge, the rewards are nothing short of spectacular.
The journey up Mount Isobel via Jollies Pass Road is a 6-kilometre out-and-back trek that packs a serious punch. With an elevation gain of 521 metres squeezed into a relatively short distance, you’ll feel the burn in your calves almost immediately. This is an Advanced tramping track, which in New Zealand terms means you should expect steep gradients, uneven footing, and a true backcountry experience.
The walk begins by immersing you in the quiet majesty of mountain beech forest. There’s something special about the air in a New Zealand beech forest—it’s crisp, slightly earthy, and filled with the subtle sounds of the bush. As you climb, the track winds through vibrant sub-alpine scrub, where the vegetation starts to shrink and toughen up, preparing you for the exposed ridges ahead.
Once you break through the treeline, the world opens up. The sheltered, emerald canopy is replaced by a rugged, rocky alpine environment. This transition is one of the most exciting parts of the hike; suddenly, the Hanmer Range reveals itself in all its jagged glory. The final push to the summit is sustained and steep, but the sight of the summit trig ahead keeps the momentum going.
Standing at the top of Mount Isobel (which sits at approximately 1324 metres) provides a sense of "top of the world" accomplishment. On a clear day, the 360-degree views are staggering. You’ll look down upon the entire Hanmer Basin, seeing the tiny grid of the village far below, framed by the braided rivers and the vast, undulating peaks of North Canterbury. It takes about 4.5 hours to complete the return trip, but you’ll want to budget extra time just to sit at the summit and soak it all in.
Parking is available along Jollies Pass Road. From Hanmer Springs, follow Jollies Pass Road for approximately 8 kilometres. The road becomes unsealed shortly after leaving town and is a backcountry road. It is only suitable for high ground clearance 4WD vehicles. The poled route to Mt Isobel starts approximately 800 metres north of Jollies Pass. This road is not suitable for campervans or vehicles with low ground clearance.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
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
Zosterops lateralis
Small bird with distinctive white eye-ring. Commonly seen in flocks, feeding on insects, fruit, and nectar.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
8km away
Situated in a historic hydroelectric power plant building, this cafe offers fresh, local food, with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. It's a great spot for a hearty breakfast or lunch to fuel up before or after your hike, with stunning mountain views.
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Out and back
The undisputed highlight of this trail is the 360-degree summit panorama. While many tracks offer a view in one direction, Mount Isobel gives you the full picture. To the north and west, you see the wild, crumpled landscapes of the Southern Alps; to the south, the pastoral beauty of the Canterbury plains.
Another standout feature is the alpine transition. Photographers will love the contrast between the deep greens of the beech forest and the golden hues of the alpine tussocks and grey scree slopes higher up.
For those who enjoy a bit of an "off-the-beaten-track" feel, the Jollies Pass route provides a sense of solitude that you might not find on the more popular Waterfall Track or the main Mount Isobel Track. It feels like a genuine high-country expedition, far removed from the bustling cafes of the village.
Getting to the trailhead is an adventure in itself. From the Hanmer Springs township, you’ll head along Jollies Pass Road. The road starts out as a standard street but quickly transitions into an unsealed backcountry track.
Important Note: This road is strictly for high-ground clearance 4WD vehicles. It is steep, narrow in places, and can be rough depending on recent weather. If you are in a campervan or a low-slung city car, please do not attempt this drive—you’ll risk damaging your vehicle or getting stuck.
Drive approximately 8 kilometres from town. The poled route officially begins about 800 metres north of the Jollies Pass summit. There is space to park along the side of the road, but ensure you aren't blocking the track for other backcountry users.
As you move through the different altitudinal zones, keep your eyes and ears open for some of Aotearoa’s unique birdlife.
In the lower beech forest, the New Zealand Fantail (Piwakawaka) is a near-constant companion. These friendly little birds love to follow hikers, darting through the air to catch the insects disturbed by your boots. You’ll also likely see Silvereyes (Tauhou) flitting through the scrub.
Higher up, keep a lookout for the New Zealand Pipit (Pihoihoi), which blends in perfectly with the rocky ground. If you are very lucky—and perhaps a little bit unlucky if they decide to nibble on your gear—you might spot a Kea. These world-famous mountain parrots are occasionally seen soaring over the ridges or investigating hikers at the summit.
On very rare occasions, the elusive Rock Wren (Pīwauwau) has been spotted in the high alpine rock debris. These tiny, bobbing birds are a real treat for birdwatchers, though they are masterfully camouflaged against the grey stone.
The Jollies Pass Road to Mt Isobel Track is accessible year-round, but each season brings a different flavour to the experience:
The Hanmer Springs area, known to Māori as Te Whakataka, has a rich history. For centuries, the Waitaha and later Ngāi Tahu people used the mountain passes in this region as seasonal routes for gathering pounamu (greenstone) and hunting. The thermal springs were—and remain—a place of healing and rejuvenation.
Mount Isobel itself is part of the Hanmer Range, a dramatic geological uplift that defines the northern edge of the Hanmer Basin. The ruggedness of this terrain is a reminder of the powerful forces at work along the Hope Fault, which runs nearby. Choosing the Jollies Pass route allows you to see the "working" side of the high country, where the landscape feels raw and ancient.
Once you’ve descended and navigated the 4WD track back to town, you’ll likely have a massive appetite. Hanmer Springs has some fantastic spots to refuel:
The Jollies Pass Road to Mt Isobel Track is a challenging, rewarding, and quintessentially New Zealand experience. It’s a hike that asks for effort but pays it back in full with some of the best views in the South Island.
Xenicus gilviventris
This tiny, secretive wren is one of New Zealand's few true alpine birds, often found in high-altitude rockfalls and scree.
Best time: Year-round
Nestor notabilis
Intelligent alpine parrot endemic to the South Island. Known for curiosity and problem-solving abilities.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
In Māori mythology, the pīwakawaka is considered a messenger, sometimes bringing news of death.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
8.5km away
Located in the town centre, this bar offers a relaxed atmosphere, a selection of local beers and ciders, and classic pub food. It's a great place to unwind on the balcony with views of Hanmer Springs after a day on the trails.
8.7km away
A family-friendly destination offering delicious food, crafted drinks, and warm Kiwi hospitality. It's a relaxed spot for hearty meals and good times, open seven days a week.