Pros & cons
PROS
- Day-use shelter at the top with flushing toilets and running water
- Big alpine views arrive quickly for a relatively short effort
- Optional short extension into the basin for extra scenery
CONS
- Rocky 4WD-style surface can be ankle-twisting and rough underfoot
- Serious avalanche terrain if you go beyond the day shelter
Temple Basin Ski Area car park on SH73, about 5 km north of Arthur’s Pass Village; trail begins from the lot.
Steep, exposed alpine track; avalanche risk May–Nov and whenever snow remains. The marked track ends at Lockwood Day Shelter; beyond is complex avalanche terrain with occasional control work in ski season. Expect loose rock, rapidly changing weather, and bluffs off-track; wear strong footwear.
Overview
This is a short, punchy leg‑burner with a huge views‑per‑minute payoff. The Temple Basin Track climbs about 490 m over roughly 5 km total (return) to an open tussock basin and the Temple Basin ski‑club buildings. Expect sweeping alpine panoramas, including clear‑day looks across to Mt Rolleston/Kaimatau.
Route and Terrain
From the signposted car park on SH73, the track zigzags steeply up a rocky, vehicle‑style maintenance route marked with orange poles. Underfoot it’s uneven—think steps, bouldery sections, and firm, 4WD‑like gravel rather than a soft forest path. The marked track officially ends at the Lockwood Day Shelter beside the ski lodges.
Facilities and Turn‑Around Points
The Lockwood Day Shelter is for day use and has flushing toilets and running water (bring your own toilet paper). Many hikers make this their turnaround. Confident parties sometimes extend farther into the basin to Page Memorial Shelter via a short, steeper pinch with loose rock; this is unmarked, for experienced hikers only, and not for overnighting.
Best Time to Hike
You can walk this year‑round in good weather, but it shines in late summer to early autumn when snow and ice are least likely. Alpine flowers typically bloom November–February. Winter and spring can be icy or snow‑covered; traction (microspikes or crampons) may be necessary if you go then. For cooler temps, better photography light, and fewer people, start early.
Safety Essentials
Above the bush line you’re fully exposed—carry warm layers, a rain shell, sun protection, and plenty of water. Strong footwear is important. Avalanche hazard is a real factor here: it’s commonly present May–November and whenever snow lingers. Terrain beyond the Lockwood Day Shelter becomes complex avalanche country, and the ski area may undertake avalanche control work roughly late June to late October. Do not leave the marked track unless you have the training, kit (transceiver, shovel, probe), and a solid plan. Off‑track travel can lead to bluffs and has caused casualties.
Getting There
Trailhead parking is the Temple Basin (ski area) car park on State Highway 73, about 5 km north of Arthur’s Pass Village. The track starts right from the lot and heads uphill immediately.
Elevation
3.1 mi · 2.8 hrWhere it starts
-42.9124, 171.5589Wildlife on this trail
Near Temple Basin Track
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayTemple Basin Track ViewpointShort, steep hike to sweeping peaks and a handy day shelterParking · Scenic Viewpoint
0.3 mi awayArthur Dudley Dobson Memorial LookoutRoadside obelisk with sweeping summit viewsPullout · Parking
0.5 mi awayBealey ChasmA quick bridge-side look into a roaring river chasmScenic Viewpoint
0.5 mi awayMt Cassidy–Blimit TraverseSteep alpine ridge day linking Mt Cassidy and Blimit via Temple Basin.Challenging · 9.3 mi · 10 hr
0.5 mi awayLake Misery BoardwalkShort alpine bog boardwalk with big summit viewsParking · Trailhead
0.5 mi awayBealey Valley TrackQuick forest stroll to Bealey Chasm and Mt Rolleston viewsEasy · 1.5 mi · 48 min
1 mi awayOtira Valley TrackShort alpine valley to a tiny bridge with big Southern Alps viewsModerate · 2.3 mi · 1.5 hr
1 mi awayMt Philistine via Otira ValleyShort approach, big alpine punch: bluffs, scree, and glacier viewsChallenging · 5.5 mi · 7 hr
