Mount Bruce Summit Walk

Head out on SH73 towards Arthur’s Pass, then turn off at Cora Lynn Road, which ends at the route’s car park. Grab your daypack, enter through the gate and follow the signposts to the Cass – Lagoon Saddle Track. Within five minutes you’ll pass the very basic 6-bunk Bealey Hut as you start a steady climb through forest, which will have you puffing right up to the treeline. From there the incline continues more gradually to, and around, the tussock-covered base of Mt Bruce heading towards Lagoon Saddle. In winter you will be crunching your way through snow and watching carefully for the next orange triangular trail marker. Take a breather every now and then, and turn around; on the ascent the best views are behind you. Before the trail rounds the face of Mt Bruce towards Lagoon Saddle turn left to climb an easy, but steep, slope to the cairn that marks the summit of Mt Bruce. The views over the braided Waimakariri River and Arthur’s Pass National Park get better with each painful step, but it’s only close to the top that you appreciate the full breath-taking mountain panorama on the other side of Mt Bruce. Return via the same route. It’s about a seven-to-eight hour round trip – a little more if you want to take it slowly. Top tips: Wear decent hiking shoes and pack for a change in weather. Don’t forget your camera, and take a warm drink in a flask in winter and plenty of water in summer.