Temple Basin Track
WalkCanterburyOpen
- Grade
- Advanced
- Walking time
- 1 hr 30 min
- Distance
- 2.1 km
- Route
- One way
- Dogs
- No dogs
Getting there
We have not checked a road end or car park for this place yet, so we do not give driving directions to it. Check how to get there before you go. Some routes cross private land and need the landowner's permission.
How to get there, on doc.govt.nzThis track starts above the bush-line from the SH73 roadside carpark for Temple Basin ski-field, 5 km towards the West Coast from Arthur’s Pass township.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 42.91036° S, 171.56742° E
About this place
A nature photographer’s dream, experience expansive mountain views and alpine birdlife on this track to Temple Basin.
The route
This track starts from above the bush line at the Temple Basin car park, 5 km north of Arthur’s Pass Village. It zigzags steeply up the hill to an open tussock basin, ski-club buildings, and the Lockwood day shelter. The marked track finishes at the Lockwood Day shelter. There is no marked route above this point. There is complex avalanche terrain beyond the shelter. From November to February, the alpine flowers present in the alpine meadows are typically in bloom. On a clear day you get magnificent views of Mt Rolleston/Kaimatau across the valley.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Know before you go
Temple Basin ski area avalanche control
Temple Basin ski area can be operating between late June and late October. Avalanche control work on the ski area is done to make the ski area safe while they are open for skiing. Explosives may be in use for avalanche control work. There may be avalanche hazards outside of normal opening hours or in closed parts of the ski area. During those times you need to take the ATES classification and avalanche danger level into account. Check in with ski patrol if you wish to access the area during operating hours and obey all ski area closures.
There may be avalanche danger
Avalanches usually occur from May to November in Arthur’s Pass National Park. There can also be avalanches outside this period, if there is still snow coverage. Check the avalanche terrain in this area. If you are going into avalanche terrain, always: Have the relevant avalanche skills and training. Check the ATES rating and New Zealand Avalanche Advisory before you go. Go with a buddy. Both of you should carry and know how to use an avalanche transceiver, a snow shovel and a probe.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Canterbury University Snow Sports Club (CUSSC) Lodge
Canterbury • 0.7 km
The Canterbury University Snow Sports Club Lodge is a hut located in the Canterbury region. It is situated near the Temple Basin Ski Area, which also features…
Jacks Hut
Canterbury • 1.2 km
Avalanche Creek Shelter Campsite
Standard • Canterbury • 3.4 km
Avalanche Creek Shelter Campsite is a standard campsite located just off the main road in the Arthur’s Pass village. It sits almost directly opposite the…
Non-powered/tent sites • Shelter for cooking • Toilets - flush
New Zealand Alpine Club Lodge
Canterbury • 3.5 km
The New Zealand Alpine Club Lodge is a hut located in the Canterbury region. It is a facility managed by the New Zealand Alpine Club.
Christchurch Tramping Club Lodge
Canterbury • 4 km
The Christchurch Tramping Club Lodge is a hut located in the Canterbury region. It is also known as Kennedy Lodge.
Walks nearby
Dobson Nature Walk
Easiest • 30 min • 750 m • 0.8 km away
Arthur’s Pass Walking Track
Easy • 2 h 40 min • 6.8 km • 1.06 km away
Bealey Valley Track
Easy • 25 min • 1.2 km • 1.38 km away
Otira Valley Track
Advanced • 1 hr one way • 1.7 km • 2.03 km away
Cons Track
Advanced • 2-4 hr return to the bushline • 2 km (475 m vertical climb) to the bushline • 2.31 km away
Notes from people who have been
No notes yet. If you have been, say what you found.
Something missing or out of date?
Closed, moved, wrong facts, or something we have missed? Travellers keep the Road Guide up to date. Tell us what you found at contribute@parkup.nz and we will check it and add it.
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Sources
- DOC Tracks (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).
- DOC Tracks & Trails · CC BY 4.0Data sourced from the Department of Conservation (DOC), New Zealand.