Last Updated: 8th Mar 2024

Intermediate - Experienced

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I've done it Done

Travers Peak

Boyle Village, Canterbury

Submitted by Tony Sharpe

Last Updated: 8th Mar 2024

Intermediate - Experienced

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I've done it Done

Grunt Factor: 35 ?

Gnarl Factor: 93 ?

7.6km

930m

930m

1724m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Back country - remote

Out and Back

Mountainous

Native bush

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

20%
60%
20%

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Untracked / Route only

Average Uphill Gradient: +24.1%

Average Downhill Gradient: -24.1%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

3:00

Slow

2:15

Moderate

1:30

Fast

Travers Peak is probably the best vantage point for views that you will find a tracked route to from the Lewis Pass Highway.

Start by crossing the road from the DOC Deer Flat campsite and head onto the signposted Foleys Track. You'll begin with nice moderately technical trail ascending through amazing beech forest. Perfectly runnable. Smell that honeydew! As the elevation climbs so does the steepness - nothing too frightening but its once of those ascents where you have to decide whats more efficient, a fast walk or a slow run with the odd breather.

Eventually you'll reach the bushline at around 1300m and from there you really start to soak up the views, which just keep improving as you climb higher. The route to the summit is fairly obvious, mostly on the ridgline past the odd tarn and plenty of tussockland. The poles stop a short way above the bush, which could make navigation a little tricky in cloud - you will want a gpx or map and compass if you're doin it with low visibilty.

The summit is a place to linger, its just so good to be high on the hills and these are some of the best you'll find anywhere.In clear weather you'll spot a couple of other Trail Directory Routes in the distance, such as Mt Haast and the Lewis Tarns. Once you've got your fill retrace your steps back to the car, unless you are super intrepid and want to take the Zampa Tops route and come out down the St James Walkway - but that's a whole other kettle of fish and for the true adventure runners.

When you get back to the car at Deer Flat there's always the Rolleston Pack Track to add on if you want a little extra mileage on the day as well.

Stunning views around the Lewis Pass Mountains

Parking at the campsite. Please be respectful to campers, etc

14 km

11 minutes

Unknown

No

Moderate.

Its well marked in the bush and there are poles on the tops, but take a GPX and map just in case you are clagged out up high

Non-existent.

Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Short-sleeved thermal top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions), Gaiters.

There's a few tarns on the tops that are likely drinkable, but probably best to bring enough from home

Being high tops this is not a run for poor winter conditions

Usual caution and care with weather forecasts and seasonal snow

Trail Legend

Sarah Coxon

Sarah Coxon

has completed Travers Peak once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Beautiful and steep bush trails followed by 5star views.

Sam Mowat

April 9, 2023

Did it with little visibility in cloud so sure it's worth 4* if I'd had a view. The poles above the bush stop after about 4 so only get you 10% of the war, there after you are on your own so a compass and map or gpx are needed as the faint track frequently disperses.
The forest is a beaty of flora, the lichens are great.

Neil Trimboy

April 18, 2021

It doesn't take long to see where the trail gets it's Gnarl factor from. From the beginning, the forest is a stunner. Thick, dense bush with really uneven ground from tightly knotted roots. Pretty muddy at the start after recent rain, but dried out with elevation.
The poles disappear part way above the tree line and you're left to follow a faint track the rest of the way. It's not hard to tell where you're going, just aim for the top but definitely dropped the trail at times. Wouldn't be nice in low visibility so the GPX is a must.

Sal Aitken

March 17, 2021

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