Last Updated: 7th May 2024

Beginner

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I've done it Done

Balmoral Fire Lookout

Hanmer Springs, Canterbury

Submitted by Mike Tennent

Last Updated: 7th May 2024

Beginner

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Grunt Factor: 6 ?

Gnarl Factor: 13 ?

3.0km

190m

190m

321m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Undulating, small hills only

Dog Friendly

Open farmlands

Open tussock/grasslands

Run Makeup

95%
5%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +12.7%

Average Downhill Gradient: -12.6%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

00:30

Slow

00:18

Moderate

00:15

Fast

Heading south from Culverden towards Christchurch you will almost certainly have seen a small orange roof building on the hills just over the Hurunui River. This is part of a reserve now and the trail is extremely straightforward: just follow the 4WD track to the top and when finished, retrace your steps.

There is a toilet just before the top and a seat about halfway up.

It is 150 vert in 1.5km so it will get the heart pumping and when you let loose heading back down it will do the same!

The Fire Lookout Building at the top is open and has a heap of historical info. There are amazing views over the Hurunui River and the Amuri Basin.

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

A large clearing directly over the road from the start.

0 km

0 minutes

Yes

No

Easy.

Not a chance you can go wrong.

Very patchy.

Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone

No water

In extreme wet condotions it is possible that the track may get a bit slippery, but should still be navigable.

None

Trail Legend

Steph Nevins

Steph Nevins

has completed Balmoral Fire Lookout 3 times in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Great views at the top. Good slog up there to wake up the legs after driving!

Stewie Stuart

November 6

Wow what a wee gem. Allow plenty of time to read the history up there! 5 stars

Tony Sharpe

July 15, 2023

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