The area around Lindis Pass is famous for its golden tussock grasslands. You can see them from the highway, and can climb to excellent views on Double Peak in less than two hours return. But to really get amongst it all consider a day-walk to Longslip Mountain from the lookout car park. It’s pretty much one long ridge all the way to the summit, and with some of the best views early on you could shorten your day and still leave very satisfied.
I can recommend getting an early start for this walk, as morning light will really accentuate the ridgelines and saturate the golden colours. By late morning it was all looking a bit flat and pale. It may also be good in the evening, although I’ve never been there at that time. (We started around 9am in early Feb, and probably had an hour of good light.)
The unmarked route is mostly straightforward – along one long ridge mainly – but there are a few spots of steep and somewhat rocky terrain in the middle section. Nothing too crazy. I’d say a good introduction to off-track hiking for those wanting the practice. Have a look at my route notes at the end.
Longslip Mountain from Lindis Pass: The Scenery
Route Notes
You can park at the lookout car park, just on the Canterbury side of Lindis Pass. Cross over the road, jump the barrier, and head up onto the obvious ridge. (That climb is short but very steep – you could walk up the road to Lindis Pass, as it is less steep from there). Then it’s pretty much straight up this easy, undulating ridge (the Canterbury-Otago border), with just a few rocky sections along the way.
Eventually you’ll meet an old farm track, which you can follow for a while. Then leave this to climb up onto the flattish tops for the last few hundred metres to the summit. Return the way you came.
Other walks in the area include the short climb to Double Peak, and also Dromedary Hill on the Canterbury side. For more information on the Lindis Conservation Area see the DOC website.
