The South Ridge Track starts after the steep climb up Lookout Road from the Blandswood Road car park.
Follow the Emily Falls Track as it climbs into the forest until you reach the falls themselves. From this point, the track onwards becomes the South Ridge Track.
While the Emily Falls Track is well-maintained, the rest of the climb to the Little Mt Peel summit is steep and the last stretch involves climbing over some rocks.
The track connects with the Deer Spur track at the summit. Thus, you can return the same way or turn your walk into a loop track.
If returning the same way, keep along the ridge line through the dracophyllum scrub. After about an hour, you will see a pole indicating the track that now leads away from the ridge. From here you will find your way back into the bush and back towards Emily Falls Track.
Due to the steep incline of the climb, the descent should also be done with extreme caution as there is the risk of rock falling. Because of this, many people choose to descend using the Deer Spur track. The two tracks also have different types of vegetation, so there is a lot more to see.
Quick Facts about this walk
- Location: Geraldine, South Island, New Zealand
- Time needed: 7 hour walk
- Distance: 7 km
- Difficulty: Very hard
- Bikes allowed: Unknown
- Route: Return
- Elevation: 1000 m
- Wet Feet: Ice and snow in winter, and mud after rain
- Toilets: There is a toilet at the shelter near the summit.
- Dogs: No
- Mobile Coverage: Poor coverage
- Last Updated: July, 2020
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