I’d been saving the Woolshed Hill Track for winter, when I thought I could get good snowy views for moderate effort and without avalanche risk. The walk certainly delivered, with excellent views from the summit of Woolshed Hill (1429m) over the Waimakariri, Hawdon and Andrews Valleys, and many of other snow capped peaks in Arthur’s Pass including Mt Binser and the Pyramid. And there was enough snow on the tops to make it feel a bit alpine up there, (although somebody who walked it a week later said the snow had gone).
A good short/half day option when you don’t want to contend with some of the more challenging tramps in Arthur’s Pass National Park. Track notes at the end.
Woolshed Hill Track: The Scenery
Track Notes
We started from just the other side of the forest to Kidson Lodge, but you can also start at the Hawdon Shelter and walk through a track into the clearing containing the lodge. There’s a track until above the bushline then it’s along the ridge to the summit. I got slightly lost twice but really you shouldn’t have much trouble! It will take roughly 4 hours all up so not such a long walk. Note that it is pretty steep through the forest in some spots, so careful footing required especially in the wet.
Quite nearby is another moderate walk with good views, Bealey Spur, so try that as well if you haven’t done it.
