The Coal Hill Track takes you 1000m pretty much straight up to the summit of Coal Hill (1617m), with great views over the surrounding mountains, the Rangitata River, and east over the Canterbury Plains. These mountains include Mt Taylor to the north, nearby Mt Harper, the Main Divide to the north-west, and nearby Mt Peel to the south. There’s also views towards the open ground around the Ashburton Lakes.
Although much of the walk is on private land, only the first flat bit is through paddocks, then it’s up steeply through tussock and some speargrass to the summit. It’s reasonably attractive walking, although the presence of a high fence the whole way detracts a little from the views. Nevertheless, the views are extensive and the main reason for doing this walk. Track notes at the end.
Coal Hill Track: The Scenery
Views from the summit…
On our way back down…
Track Notes
The Coal Hill Track is more of a route than a track, but nevertheless easy to follow because you follow a high fence the whole way up. It’s steep in places and sometimes a bit slippery on tussock. About 3 hours up and 2 down. There’s more info on other tracks into the conservation area on the DOC website. I’ve walked to nearby Little Mt Peel and Mt Peel on other occasions.
