Jollie Brook Circuit

The Jollie Brook Circuit starts and finishes off Lake Sumner Road, with the option of starting from either of the two swing bridges over the Hurunui River (approximately 3 km apart on the Lake Sumner Road). All river crossings between Gabriel and Jollie Brook huts are bridged. There are numerous river crossings from Jollie Brook Hut to the swingbridges.

Jollie Brook swing bridge to Sisters swing bridge

Time: 1 hr

On the river flats of the Hurunui River, a signpost marks the track that follows the true left of the Hurunui River to the Sisters car park. The Jollie Brook needs to be crossed – this may not be possible in high river flows.

Sisters swing bridge to Gabriel Hut

Time: 2 hr

From the swing bridge the track is marked with poles up the true left of the valley. Traverse a series of large ancient river terraces close to the hillside until you reach Gabriel Hut.

Gabriel Hut to Jollie Brook Hut

Time: 1 hr 30 min

Track leads up Gabriel Stream through beech forest to a low saddle then follows a side-stream to the Jollie Brook. Cross the Jollie Brook to reach the hut.

Jollie Brook Hut to Jollie Brook swing bridge

Time: 4 hr

The track downstream from the hut is well marked but there are a few crossings back and forth across the river. When the valley opens out, traverse across grass and gravel flats until you reach the junction with Cold Stream. After crossing Cold Stream, gravel flats lead to a short gorge. The valley starts to close in, with sections of track appearing intermittently between frequent stream crossings. Eventually the track breaks out onto narrow grassy flats leading to the Hurunui River. Cross the river via the swing bridge just below the Jollie Brook / Hurunui confluence.

Jollie Brook Track - Cold Stream Hut

Time: 1 hr

This route turns off the Jollie Brook Track, about halfway between Jollie Brook Hut and the Jollie Brook swing bridge. Cross Cold Stream and follow it, crossing several times to reach the hut.

Gabriel Hut to Hope Kiwi Lodge

Time: 5 hr

From Gabriel Hut follow the track to Lake Sumner (about 15 minutes), and then along the north shore of Lake Sumner. The track follows the shoreline but passes through bush in places where access along the shore is not possible. Cross Evangeline Stream to reach Marion Stream. Follow the track past Lake Marion – a very picturesque spot – and up a hill to meet the Hope Kiwi Track . From here it is another 1 hour 30 minutes to Hope Kiwi Lodge.

Hope Kiwi Track junction to Hurunui swing bridge

Time: 3 hr

The track descends easily through the forest and emerges onto the Hurunui River flats; pick up the 4WD track back to the swing bridge here.