Each week, we highlight our fave tramping trails in New Zealand for day and multi day hikes across Nelson Tasman (and beyond!)
If you are heading down this way, Mount Isobel is one of Hanmer Springs’ classic summit hikes to get up! The summit is 1,324 m and offers fantastic views over the Hanmer Basin and surrounding mountains.
Our Route – Dog Stream Track
Distance: ~8.5–9 km return
Time: Allow 5–6 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
We went up via Dog Stream Track, passing through beautiful beech forest and alongside Dog Stream before climbing towards Dog Stream Waterfall. From here, the route continues steeply upwards, eventually leaving the forest and entering more exposed subalpine terrain.
The final climb to the summit is steep and can be rocky and slippery, but the views from the top make the effort worthwhile.
We returned the same way, making this a straightforward out-and-back adventure.
Alternative Routes
Jacks Pass → Mt Isobel
~6.4 km return | 3½–4 hours
The shortest route to the summit. It is steep and becomes exposed towards the top.
Things to Be Aware Of
Mount Isobel is exposed and conditions can change quickly. Weather at the summit can be very different from Hanmer Springs.
So there wasn’t a lot of snow up there last weekend when we did it but be prepared as always with your microspikes, warm layers and a good jacket!
Our pick: Dog Stream is the best all-round route, combining forest, waterfall, alpine terrain and fantastic summit views. Allow plenty of time and plan for mountain conditions rather than the weather in town.
