Mount Sunday Track

Out and back

The trail is an out-and-back route, so once you’ve finished soaking in the views, you simply retrace your steps. The return leg offers a different perspective on the Cloudy Peak Range, and because the landscape is so open, you’ll feel like you’re walking through a giant landscape painting the entire way back.

Highlights & Must-See Features

The obvious drawcard here is that Mount Sunday was the filming location for Edoras, the capital of Rohan in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. While the golden hall of Meduseld and the wooden buildings are long gone, the "bones" of the city—the sheer cliffs and the commanding position over the valley—are unmistakable. You don't need to be a film buff to appreciate the majesty of this spot, but if you are, standing where the Golden Hall once stood is a bucket-list experience.

Beyond the movie magic, the 360-degree panoramic views are the real star. From the summit, you can look deep into the heart of the Southern Alps. To the west, the peaks of Mesopotamia Station (made famous by author Samuel Butler) dominate the horizon. To the north and south, the vastness of the Rangitata valley makes you feel incredibly small in the best possible way.

The geological history of the area is also a highlight. The way Mount Sunday sits isolated in the middle of the valley is a perfect example of a "roche moutonnée"—a rock formation created by the passing of a glacier. Seeing the scale of the valley around you gives you a real sense of the incredible power of the ice that shaped this land.

Getting There

To get to the Mount Sunday Track, you’ll head toward the Ashburton Lakes area. From Ashburton, follow the signs toward Mount Somers and then continue onto Hakatere Potts Road.

Be prepared for a bit of a drive on gravel. While the road is generally well-maintained and perfectly suitable for 2WD vehicles, it is a long, unsealed stretch that can be dusty in summer or slippery in winter. Take your time and enjoy the scenery as you pass through the Hakatere Conservation Park.

There is a spacious car park at the trailhead. You'll find long-drop toilets here, which are the last facilities you’ll see until you head back out, so it’s a good idea to make use of them before you start your walk.

Wildlife Spotting

The Hakatere area is a haven for native birdlife, particularly those that thrive in braided riverbed environments. As you walk across the flats, keep an ear out for the New Zealand Pipit (pīhoihoi); they are common here and often flit along the track ahead of you.

Up in the sky, you are almost certain to see the Australasian Harrier (kāhu) soaring on the thermals, looking for prey in the tussock. If you are lucky, you might spot the rare and impressive New Zealand Falcon (kārearea), known for its speed and aggressive hunting style.

Down by the riverbeds, keep an eye out for the Wrybill (ngutu pare) during spring and summer. This unique bird is the only one in the world with a beak that curves sideways! You might also see Black-billed Gulls nesting or feeding nearby.

On very rare occasions, a wandering Kea might fly over from the higher alpine ridges to investigate the tourists. Remember: never feed the birds, and keep a respectful distance so they can continue their high-country lives undisturbed.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Mount Sunday Track is accessible all year round, and each season brings a completely different vibe to the landscape:

• Summer: Long days and golden tussocks. The weather is generally more stable, but the heat can be intense.
• Autumn: My personal favourite time to visit. The air is crisp, the light is soft and golden, and the surrounding mountains often get their first "dusting" of snow.
• Winter: A true alpine experience. The mountains are white, and if you’re lucky, there might even be snow on the track. It’s incredibly beautiful but requires warm gear.
• Spring: The river is high with snowmelt, and the valley starts to green up.

Best time of day: Aim for early morning or late afternoon. The "golden hour" light in the Canterbury high country is world-class, making the tussock glow and the shadows on the mountains pop.

• Sun protection: There is absolutely no shade on this track. Even on a cloudy day, the New Zealand sun is fierce. Wear a hat and plenty of sunscreen.
• Windbreaker: The "Canterbury Nor'wester" is a famous wind that can howl through this valley. Even on a sunny day, it can get very gusty at the summit.
• Sturdy footwear: While it's an easy walk, the final climb is rocky and can be slippery if wet. Sneakers are fine, but hiking boots offer better ankle support.
• Water: There are no drinkable water sources on the trail, so bring a full bottle.

Local & Regional Context

The Hakatere area is rich in history. For Māori, this region was part of the ara tawhito (ancient trails) used by Ngāi Tahu to travel between the east coast and the pounamu (greenstone) resources of the West Coast. The area was also a significant mahinga kai (food gathering site), where birds and freshwater species were harvested.

In the colonial era, this became classic "High Country Station" territory. The name "Mesopotamia" nearby was coined by Samuel Butler, who established a sheep station here in 1860 and later wrote the famous satirical novel Erewhon, inspired by this very landscape. When you look out from the top of Mount Sunday, you are looking at a landscape that has changed very little in over a century, preserved thanks to the efforts of the Department of Conservation and local landholders.

After the Walk

After 1.5 hours in the wind and sun, you’ll likely have worked up an appetite. The best place to refuel is the Mt Potts Lodge, located just 4.6km back down the road from the car park.

It’s a wonderfully remote and welcoming spot that offers a café, restaurant, and bar. They are famous for their hearty home-style meals—think big burgers, bowls of hot chips, and fresh baking. Sitting on their deck with a cold drink while looking back at the mountains you just climbed is the perfect way to end the day.

Note: The café is typically open Thursday to Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm, so check their hours before you head out if you’re planning a mid-week trip!