This ride is through Lake Sumner Forrest park.
It is a 4x4 road that runs from Lake Taylor, alongside Lake Sumner, to Hurunui Hut. The Hurunui hut is a DOC back country hut.
The track starts at the DOC campsite beside Lake Taylor (with Longdrop, carparking) and runs to the Hurunui Hut.
The hut is 18km from the campsite. Once at the Hut the ride returns to the car park via the same road, making it a 36km round trip.
Most of the track is rough, stoney and suitable only for 4x4 vehicles. There is a locked gate, towards the very start of the track - don't be put off - this is to discourage 4x4 vehicles.
2/3 in towards the hut the track starts to run across farmland, and is a more pleasant, though riding across grass is energy sapping.
At the end of the 4x4 track there is a swing bridge across a wide, waist deep river. This is usually where people bike to - as the Hut is further along the track, up in the tree line.
The track to the hut is under native bush - and can be steep in a few places, but is mostly rideable.
This park is approximately 100 km northwest of Christchurch, and is roughly between the Lewis Pass and Arthur’s Pass National Park.
From Christchurch, drive north as if driving to Hamner. Once through Weka Pass - Turn West at Waikari and drive along "Hawarden Waikari Rd" to Harwarden.
Follow the road signs to Lake Sumner - the gravel road is some 40-50km? So set aside some travel time, as this section will slow you down.
See the Department of Conservation Website for better details.
Track Database