Conical Hill Walk
A rewarding, short uphill walk in Hanmer Springs offering stunning 360-degree panoramic views from its summit.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Conical Hill Walk
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rewarding, short uphill walk in Hanmer Springs offering stunning 360-degree panoramic views from its summit.
"The summit is absolutely amazing! The 360-degree views are breathtaking and completely worth the climb."
👟 Wear Good Shoes
Sturdy walking shoes are a must for the uphill climb and potential mud.
🌬️ Pack a Windbreaker
The summit can be windy, even on warm days. A windproof jacket is recommended.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Panorama
Conical Hill Summit
Breathtaking 360-degree views of Hanmer Springs, forests, and mountain ranges. Absolutely worth the climb!
Forest Zig-Zags
Main Track
A steady, well-maintained uphill climb through a beautiful, serene forest. Great workout!
Jacks Pass Detour
Lucas Lane Track
A worthwhile 10-minute side trek offering views of Jacks Pass. The main summit is still the star.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Gear Up for the Climb
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Good Shoes
Sturdy walking shoes are a must for the uphill climb and potential mud.
🌬️ Pack a Windbreaker
The summit can be windy, even on warm days. A windproof jacket is recommended.
⏰ Allow 40-60 Mins
The return trip, including summit time, is about 40-60 minutes.
🌳 Forest Serenity
Enjoy the peaceful forest walk; the best views are at the top.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Good Shoes
Sturdy walking shoes are a must for the uphill climb and potential mud.
🌬️ Pack a Windbreaker
The summit can be windy, even on warm days. A windproof jacket is recommended.
⏰ Allow 40-60 Mins
The return trip, including summit time, is about 40-60 minutes.
🌳 Forest Serenity
Enjoy the peaceful forest walk; the best views are at the top.
🦟 Midge Alert!
Cover up at the summit, especially in the late afternoon, to avoid midges.
📍 Park at Conical Hill Rd
Street parking and public toilets are conveniently located at the trailhead.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Conical Hill Walk for its breathtaking summit views and the rewarding uphill trek through a beautiful forest. It's praised as an accessible, family-friendly activity offering great value. Some note the walk is mostly trees until the top, and midges can be present at the summit.
"The Conical Hill Walking Track is a must-do in Hanmer Springs. I completed it in winter and found street parking and good public toilets right at the start, which was very convenient.
I would recommend decent walking shoes and a wind proof jack for the top, might even need this in summer. You will definitely get warm as you hike up tho.
The walk is a steady, zig-zagging uphill climb through a beautiful forest. Honestly, there's not much to see but trees until you get to the top, but the path is well-maintained but was a bit muddy (winter weather) and provides a great workout.
The summit is absolutely amazing! The 360-degree views of Hanmer Springs and the surrounding mountains are breathtaking and completely worth the climb. There's a shelter and seating to rest and take it all in.
A word of advice: The Lucas Lane track is a decent 10-minute side trek to see Jacks Pass, but the main Conical Hill summit is the real showstopper and has by far the best views. Stick with the main track to the top for the best payoff. This is a fantastic, rewarding hike."
Binky T
"Super easy and relaxing walk up to a nice lookout. This is more of a slightly inclined stroll thank anything else but the trees are amazing and its a relaxing 30ish minutes up the hill."
Jorge Luis
"Beuatiful views over Hanmer and forest. Well maintained and marked track. Great lookout with picnic tables at top. Easy uphill walk suitable for children.
Park on Conical Hill Road. 40-60 minute return trip with school age kids including time to explore lookout at the top.
The track is part of a 6km loop track. The sign states the loop can be done in 90 minutes. Prob more like 2 hours if you do with kids.
The main track up the hill is well used. The loop track down is a lot quieter.
The loop track joins the Hanmer Forrest Park and traces along a stream. It can also be shortened probably down to 4km by jumping off at an easy exit to Jollies Pass Road. Or easily extended to a longer walk in the Forrest Park taking in the Sculpture Walk."
Russell Berg
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is easily accessible by car, with street parking available on Conical Hill Road. Public toilets are also located here.
While specific public transport routes directly to the trailhead might be limited, Hanmer Springs town is generally walkable, and taxis or local shuttles may be available.
Some accommodations, like Hugo's House, offer shortcuts or are very close to the trailhead, making it a convenient option.
Yes, the main track is part of a 6km loop track that connects to the Hanmer Forest Park, offering options for longer hikes.
The walk itself is a 40-60 minute return trip, but travel time to Hanmer Springs will vary depending on your starting point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Conical Hill Walk is a free public access trail.
The walk is open year-round, 24 hours a day, as it's an outdoor natural attraction.
There is no entrance fee for the Conical Hill Walk. It's a free activity for all visitors.
While guided tours might be available through local operators in Hanmer Springs, the walk is straightforward enough to do independently.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions, but it's always advisable to check local conditions, especially during extreme weather.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's considered an easy to moderate uphill walk, suitable for most fitness levels and families with school-aged children.
The walk to the summit and back typically takes between 40 to 60 minutes, depending on your pace and time spent at the top.
Expect stunning 360-degree panoramic views of Hanmer Springs town, the surrounding forests, and the majestic mountain ranges.
Yes, there is a shelter and seating available at the summit, perfect for resting and enjoying the views.
Absolutely! It's a well-maintained, easy uphill walk that's great for school-aged children.
Keep an eye out for native birds like bellbirds and South Island Robins in the forest, and you might even spot a Kākāriki (falcon) at the summit.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers the most spectacular 360-degree views for panoramic shots. There are also smaller viewpoints along the zig-zagging path.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the landscape. Be mindful of midges at the summit later in the day.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A phone camera is perfectly adequate for most visitors.
Capture the contrast between the dense forest and the open mountain vistas. The zig-zagging path itself can make for interesting leading lines in photos.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local bylaws and park rules before flying a drone in the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making it part of a larger forest exploration by linking up with the Hanmer Forest Park trails. This offers flexibility to shorten or lengthen the outing based on your children's energy levels. The chance to spot native birds also adds an educational and fun element to the adventure.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Combine this walk with other free activities in the area, such as exploring the town center or enjoying the natural surroundings of the forest park. Packing your own snacks and water will further enhance the cost-effectiveness of your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Conical Hill Walk Experience
The summit of Conical Hill provides unparalleled 360-degree views. You can see the entirety of Hanmer Springs village, the surrounding lush forests, and the dramatic mountain ranges that encircle the area. There's a convenient shelter and seating available at the top, allowing you to rest, soak in the scenery, and perhaps enjoy a snack. This makes it an ideal spot for a short break and to capture some memorable photographs.
For those looking to extend their adventure, the Conical Hill track is part of a larger loop that connects to the Hanmer Forest Park. This offers opportunities for longer hikes, including tracing along a stream or incorporating the Sculpture Walk. You can also take a short detour to Jacks Pass via the Lucas Lane track for different perspectives.
Wildlife and Nature Encounters
Keep your eyes peeled as you ascend, as the diverse plant life creates a rich habitat. At the summit, there's a chance of spotting a Kākāriki (New Zealand Falcon), adding an exciting element to the experience. The well-maintained track ensures you can enjoy these natural encounters safely.
While the walk is generally pleasant, be aware of potential midges at the summit, particularly in the late afternoon. Covering up can help mitigate any discomfort, allowing you to fully appreciate the natural beauty surrounding you.
Social
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