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Ashburton
43 km
14 hours 30 minutes
0 metres
If you are looking for a true-blue Canterbury high country experience that gets you far away from the city lights and deep into the heart of the Southern Alps' foothills, the Lake Emily to Glenrock Stream track is calling your name. This isn't just a weekend stroll; it is an epic, 43-kilometre mission through some of the most rugged and spectacular terrain the Rakaia Valley has to offer.
As a key section of the Te Araroa Trail—New Zealand’s long-distance walking route—this track is designed for those who like their adventures with a side of "challenging." Over roughly 14.5 hours of tramping, you’ll traverse vast tussock basins, climb over high alpine passes, and follow winding river valleys. It’s a point-to-point journey that captures the very essence of the "big country" aesthetic that New Zealand is world-famous for.
Your journey begins in the Hakatere Conservation Park, a place where the landscape feels ancient and immense. Setting off from the carpark near Lake Emily, the first leg of the tramp is a relatively gentle introduction to the high country. You’ll wind your way past the tranquil, mirror-like surfaces of Manuka Lake and Seagull Lake. On a still morning, the reflections of the surrounding mountains on these waters are enough to make any photographer’s heart skip a beat.
After about 90 minutes of walking through this rolling landscape, you’ll reach Manuka Hut. It’s a classic backcountry spot and a great place to brew a quick cuppa before the real work begins. From here, the trail shifts gears. You leave the lakes behind and begin the long, steady grind up towards the Clent Hills Saddle. This is the highest point of the track, sitting at a lofty 1,480 metres. As you ascend, the trees disappear, replaced by a sea of golden snow tussock and weathered grey scree.
Reaching the saddle is a "wow" moment. The views are simply gargantuan, stretching across the Ashburton Lakes district and deep into the surrounding ranges. However, this is also where the "Expert" rating of the track becomes clear. The saddle is highly exposed; if the wind is howling or the cloud drops, you’ll need sharp navigational skills and the right gear to stay safe.
From the dizzying heights of the Clent Hills, the track plunges down for about 9 kilometres into the valley below, leading you to Comyns Hut. This is a fantastic place to spend the night if you’re breaking the trip into multiple days. The journey then follows Turtons Stream uphill. While the climb to Turton’s Saddle (1,120 metres) isn't quite as high as the first one, the multiple stream crossings will keep you on your toes. You’ll pass the quirky A Frame Hut along the way—a local landmark that’s hard to miss!
Parking for the Lake Emily to Glenrock Stream track is available off Hakatere Heron Road. To get there, drive approximately 31 km west from Mount Somers on Ashburton Gorge Road, then turn right onto Hakatere Heron Road (after about 23 km). Turn right again just before crossing Jacobs Stream Bridge at Castleridge Station. 2WD vehicles can park on the verge of the farm track, ensuring consideration for other users and farm vehicles. For 4WD vehicles, it is possible to travel a further 1.4 km to a dedicated car park situated on public conservation land.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Nestor notabilis
Intelligent alpine parrot endemic to the South Island. Known for curiosity and problem-solving abilities.
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
31km away
Nestled in Mount Somers, this bistro offers a modern twist on Kiwi cuisine using locally sourced ingredients, perfect for a relaxed, family-friendly dining experience after your hike.
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Point to point
The final leg of the adventure follows the Glenrock Stream down towards the Rakaia River. As the valley opens up, the scale of the Rakaia River plain becomes apparent. The trail eventually deposits you at Double Hill Run Road, tired but undoubtedly buzzing from the sheer scale of what you’ve just accomplished.
The absolute standout of this hike is the Clent Hills Saddle. At 1,480 metres, it provides a panoramic vantage point that makes you feel very small in a very large world. The contrast between the vibrant blue of the remote lakes (Manuka and Seagull) and the tawny browns of the tussock is a quintessential Canterbury sight.
Another highlight is the backcountry hut culture. Passing through Manuka, Comyns, and the A Frame Hut gives you a real sense of the tramping history in this region. These huts aren't just shelters; they are sanctuaries for weary walkers and offer a chance to swap stories with Te Araroa "thru-hikers" who might be passing through from the other direction.
For those who love geology, the rugged erosion patterns and the braided river systems visible from the heights offer a fascinating look at how the New Zealand landscape is constantly being reshaped by water and ice.
To reach the starting point, you’ll head towards the small settlement of Mount Somers. From there, drive approximately 31 kilometres west on Ashburton Gorge Road. You’ll then turn right onto Hakatere Heron Road and continue for another 23 kilometres.
Just before you cross the Jacobs Stream Bridge at Castleridge Station, turn right. If you’re in a standard 2WD vehicle, it’s best to park on the verge of the farm track here. Just make sure you leave plenty of room for farm machinery and other users—it’s a working station, after other all! If you have a 4WD, you can push on another 1.4 kilometres to a dedicated carpark on public conservation land.
Since this is a point-to-point track ending at Double Hill Run Road, you’ll need to arrange a vehicle ferry or have someone pick you up at the Rakaia end.
The high country is the realm of the New Zealand Falcon (Kārearea). Keep an eye on the rocky outcrops above the saddles; these masters of the sky are often seen performing incredible aerial displays as they hunt. Unlike the more common harrier hawk, the falcon is smaller, faster, and much rarer.
You might also hear the distinct, rowdy call of the Kea. While more common further into the main divide, these cheeky alpine parrots do occasionally visit the Clent Hills. In the lower valleys and around the lakes, you’ll find Paradise Shelducks (Pūtangitangi) with their white heads and loud honks, as well as Fantails (Pīwakawaka) and Silvereyes flitting through the scrub.
Weather Considerations: This is a high-altitude route. Even in mid-summer, temperatures can plummet, and snow is possible at any time of year on the saddles. The Canterbury "Nor'wester" wind can be brutal here, buffeting you as you cross exposed ridges. Always check the alpine weather forecast before leaving.
Personal Note: This track is dog-friendly, which is a rarity for such a major alpine route! Your fit, adventurous pup will love the wide-open spaces, but ensure they are under control around any potential wildlife or livestock on the station boundaries.
The Hakatere area is steeped in high country farming history. The tracks you follow often mirror the routes used by early pastoralists and musterers who moved sheep through these formidable hills.
For Māori, this region was part of the inland ara tawhito (traditional travel routes) used for gathering resources like weka or stone. The landscape itself is a result of massive glacial activity, which carved out the broad U-shaped valleys and left behind the moraine dams that formed Lake Emily and its neighbours. Today, the area is a focal point for conservation, protecting the unique braided river habitats and the rare plants that thrive in the scree.
After 43 kilometres in the wilderness, you’ll likely be dreaming of a cold drink and a hot meal.
Whether you're tackling this as a grueling one-day challenge or a scenic multi-day expedition, the Lake Emily to Glenrock Stream track is a profound way to experience the raw, unyielding beauty of the Canterbury high country.
Best time: Year-round
Falco novaeseelandiae
Also known as Kārearea. Fast and agile raptor found in both forest and open country.
Best time: Year-round
Tadorna variegata
Large, colourful duck endemic to New Zealand. Males have dark plumage; females have white heads and chestnut bodies.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
35km away
Located near Mount Somers, this charming cafe provides delicious home-baked goods, lunches, great coffee, and even wood-fired pizzas, with a relaxed vibe and beautiful views of Mount Somers.
60km away
A true Irish pub in the heart of Methven, offering a cosy atmosphere, hearty pub meals including lamb rack and signature steaks, pizzas, and often live music – ideal for a post-hike celebration.
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An iconic Methven landmark, 'The Blue Pub' offers a warm welcome, cold beer, delicious pub food, and comfortable accommodation, often featuring live music.