Hanmer Springs Waterfall track 2 hours from Christchurch central is a worthwhile track to add to your short tramping list.

Climbing through mountain beech forest to an over 40 metre high Dog Stream Waterfall.

Some say along with Conical Hill, the Waterfall Track is among the most sought after short walks in the Hanmer Basin.

The undulating and steep in some places trail begins at the top of McIntyres Road (accessed off Jollies Pass Road) and heads up the stream edge through dense native forest. We found the walk to of interest and varied as it traverses the watershed just above the deep gutter of Dog Stream, (parents with young children need to take care at several places along this track),

Parts of the track has constructed stairs enjoy climbing up wooden stairways in the forest and moving along small cliff faces to reach the rock face and small basin into which the waterfall plummets.  

Don't underestimate this walk. Some will find it challenging and make sure you wear suitable footwear.

We took the round trip return via the Spur Track and Fir Trail.