Loading...
Hurunui District
17 km
8 hours 30 minutes
1324 metres
If your idea of a perfect Saturday involves burning quads, sweeping ridgeline vistas, and the possibility of a cheeky kea inspecting your gear, then the Mt Faust Loop is calling your name. Tucked away in the Lewis Pass Scenic Reserve within the Hurunui District, this is a quintessential New Zealand alpine mission. It is a demanding, high-energy circuit that rewards the fit and the prepared with some of the most dramatic "top of the world" feelings you can find in North Canterbury.
At 17 kilometres and boasting a significant 1324 metres of elevation gain, this isn't a casual Sunday stroll. It is a "hard" rated track that demands respect, navigation skills, and a decent set of lungs. But for those who take on the challenge, the Mt Faust Loop offers a profound sense of solitude and a front-row seat to the raw beauty of the Southern Alps.
The journey typically kicks off from the Boyle Village carpark, and you’ll want to make sure your laces are tied tight right from the get-go. Almost immediately, the trail plunges into the dense, verdant embrace of ancient beech forest. This initial section is a classic New Zealand "vertical climb"—a leg-burning ascent that winds steeply through the trees for several hundred metres. The air here is often damp and earthy, filled with the scent of moss and the distant chime of bellbirds.
As you push upwards, the forest canopy begins to thin, and the gnarled mountain beech trees become shorter and more weathered. This is the transition zone, and it’s one of the most exciting parts of the hike. Suddenly, you break through the bushline and emerge into the awe-inspiring alpine zone. The world opens up instantly. Gone is the enclosed green tunnel, replaced by expansive views of rolling tussock-clad ridges and rugged, grey peaks.
Once on the tops, the route follows a poled line along the ridgeline. While the poles provide a general direction, the track itself can become indistinct, requiring you to keep your wits about you, especially if the "clag" (low cloud) rolls in. You’ll weave past scattered, jewel-like tarns—small alpine lakes that reflect the sky like mirrors—before making the final push to the summit of Mt Faust. Standing at 1710 metres, the summit offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama. You’ll look down into the deep trenches of the Magdalen and Boyle valleys and across at the jagged spine of the Lewis Pass tops.
Parking is available at the Boyle Village carpark. Hikers can also park in a small dirt/grass area on the east side of State Highway 7, just before the Boyle River bridge, or at the Boyle Village campsite, walking north across the bridge to the trailhead. It is advisable not to leave valuables in your vehicle, as both ends of the St James Walkway are known for car break-ins.
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
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Be the first to share a photo of this trail
Recent reports from hikers
No condition reports yet.
Be the first to report the current conditions!
See what other hikers are saying
--
No reviews yet
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Loop
The descent from Mt Faust is where the adventure truly tests your mettle. It can be just as challenging as the climb, particularly as you drop back into the bush. Some sections are notoriously overgrown, and the track can be tricky to follow. You’ll need a keen eye for trail markers and perhaps a bit of "bush bashing" intuition. Eventually, the gradient levels out as you connect with a picturesque five-kilometre stretch of the St James Walkway. This final leg is a much gentler ramble alongside the crystal-clear Boyle River, featuring a vertigo-inducing swing bridge that provides one last thrill before you return to the carpark.
The undeniable crown jewel of this trek is the Mt Faust summit. On a clear day, the sense of scale is immense. It’s the perfect spot to sit, catch your breath, and realise just how small we are compared to the vastness of the Canterbury high country.
Another standout feature is the collection of alpine tarns nestled in the hollows of the ridgeline. These tranquil pools are not only beautiful for photography but serve as popular (albeit exposed) wild camping spots for those turning this into an overnight trip. Waking up to a sunrise hitting the peaks while reflected in a still tarn is an experience you won't soon forget.
Finally, the St James Walkway swing bridge near the end of the loop is a fantastic engineering feat. It offers a dramatic view of the rushing river below and serves as a symbolic "finish line" for the rugged alpine section of your day.
The Mt Faust Loop is located about 2.5 hours from Christchurch and 1.5 hours from Reefton. Most hikers use the Boyle Village carpark as their base.
A quick word of caution: Both ends of the St James Walkway have a bit of a reputation for car break-ins. It is highly advisable not to leave any valuables in your vehicle. If possible, leave the glovebox open to show there is nothing worth taking—a common "pro-tip" for South Island trampers.
The Lewis Pass region is a stronghold for native birdlife. Because this trail takes you from deep forest to high alpine peaks, you’ll see a great cross-section of New Zealand’s finest:
The Mt Faust Loop is best tackled in Spring, Summer, or Autumn.
Note: This trail is not dog-friendly (due to the national park/reserve status and sensitive birdlife) and is not recommended for children due to the sheer physical exertion and navigational challenges involved.
The Lewis Pass, known to Māori as Kōpua-a-Kane, has a rich history as a vital link between the east and west coasts. Long before European settlers arrived, it was a traditional route for Waitaha and Ngāi Tahu seeking pounamu (greenstone) from the West Coast rivers.
Geologically, the area is fascinating. You are standing near the Alpine Fault line, and the rugged terrain of the Lewis Pass Scenic Reserve is a testament to the immense tectonic forces that shaped the Southern Alps. The area is part of a massive conservation effort to protect the native beech forests from invasive pests, which is why the bird song here is often more vibrant than in other parts of the country.
After 8.5 hours on your feet, you’ll be dreaming of a hot meal and a cold drink.
If you are heading west, the Maruia Hot Springs is just a short drive away. There is nothing quite like soaking in natural thermal waters while looking back up at the mountains you just conquered. They also have a cafe and restaurant on-site.
If you are heading back towards Christchurch, you might stop in at Hanmer Springs. It’s a slight detour, but the town is a hiker's paradise with dozens of pubs and cafes. The Monteith's Brewery Bar or the Boulder Point Cafe are great spots to refuel with a hearty burger and share stories of your Mt Faust adventure.
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Petroica australis
Friendly forest bird that often approaches walkers. Males are dark grey-black; females are paler.
Best time: Year-round
Acanthisitta chloris
As New Zealand's smallest endemic bird, the rifleman is a highly agile insectivore, often seen spiralling up tree trunks in search of food.
Best time: Year-round
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