Mount Guy

Mount Guy Hike – Hakatere Conservation Area

Mount Guy is a modest peak located within the Hakatere Conservation Area, to the northeast of Lake Clearwater. This scenic hike offers expansive 360-degree views from the summit, showcasing the dramatic landscape of the surrounding region. The trail to the top is well-marked and easy to follow, making it accessible to a wide range of hikers.

During a recent visit, the trail was popular with walkers of all ages, including families ascending to enjoy the panoramic views. The return trip to the summit typically takes no more than four hours, allowing plenty of time to explore nearby routes such as the Lake Clearwater Track or Mt Sunday. The ideal time to hike Mount Guy is in early winter or spring, when the surrounding mountains are dusted with snow, creating a stunning and picturesque setting.

Getting There

At Lake Clearwater, turn down any of the residential streets—either Mount Guy Street or Mount D’Archiac Drive—where you’ll find a small parking area at the end of the road. There is also a public toilet, maintained by the local community, located at the main campground car park.

Track Overview

The walk begins from the edge of Lake Clearwater township, following the Lake Clearwater Track around the lake’s edge. Roughly a quarter of the way around, a sign marks the junction with Mount Guy Track near a stile at the base of the mountain. From here, the route is clearly marked with poles leading up to the summit, making navigation straightforward.

Upon reaching the summit, hikers have the option to return the same way or venture off-trail to connect with Te Araroa and the Eastern Link Track, eventually rejoining the Lake Clearwater Circuit Track. Returning via the original route is simpler and still offers impressive views of the landscape, especially during the descent.

Start of the Track

At the beginning of the Lake Clearwater Circuit Track, a signboard outlines approximate timings and distances for several popular hikes in the area. It states that the climb to Mount Guy's summit should take around two and a half hours—a duration that matched the experience of a moderate-paced hike. A second sign encountered partway up claims the summit is only an hour and a half away, but this seemed overly optimistic. A safe estimate is to allow about four hours for the return journey.

Mount Guy Summit

The summit is marked by a simple rock cairn and delivers sweeping 360-degree views. On a clear day, hikers can see across the Canterbury Plains and out towards the Mt Somers Range and beyond. The conditions on this particular visit were calm, and several paragliders were observed launching from the mountain’s northeastern slope. The summit area provides ample space to rest, enjoy lunch, and soak in the spectacular scenery.

Key Information

• Trail length: 8.5 km

• Elevation gain: 671 m

• Estimated time: ~4 hours return

• Trail type: Summit

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Accessibility: Open year-round

• Dogs: No dogs permitted