The Ultimate Trig M Hike: Your Guide to a Perfect Canterbury Day Walk
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The Ultimate Trig M Hike: Your Guide to a Perfect Canterbury Day Walk

Looking for the perfect Trig M hike to save a washed-out weekend? Sometimes, even the best-laid plans in New Zealand’s winter get completely blown away—literally.

Our school holiday ski lessons at Mount Hutt were booked, gear was sorted, and the kids were buzzing. But Mother Nature had other ideas. High winds shut down the slopes, leaving our last Sunday wide open and a bit… empty.

We had to do something. So, we piled into the car, aiming for the mountains, at least for a decent meat pie and a change of scenery. This “Plan B” led us to discover the Trig M hike at Porters Pass, an incredible Canterbury day walk that turned our disappointment into an unforgettable adventure.

discover the Trig M hike at Porters Pass

This guide shares everything we learned, from trail conditions and what to pack to how to keep the kids motivated on the track.

Why Choose the Trig M Hike? An Accessible Alpine Adventure

The Trig M hike (also known as the Trig M Track) is one of Canterbury’s best-kept secrets for a reason. It offers the epic scale of an alpine hike without the extreme difficulty or long-distance commitment of other mountain treks.

Here’s why it should be on your list:

  • Incredible Views: The trail quickly rewards you with breathtaking 360-degree views over the Torlesse and Big Ben Ranges.
  • Accessibility: Located just off State Highway 73 at Porters Pass, it’s only about a 90-minute drive from Christchurch.
  • Family-Friendly Challenge: It’s steep enough to feel like a real accomplishment for older kids but manageable for a family outing.
  • A True Alpine Feel: You’ll walk along an exposed ridgeline, feeling like you’re on top of the world, hiking above the clouds on an overcast day.
breathtaking 360-degree views over the Torlesse and Big Ben Ranges

Getting to the Trig M Trailhead

Finding the start of the Trig M hike is straightforward.

Directions: From Christchurch, drive west on State Highway 73 towards Arthur’s Pass. You will drive past Springfield and climb up the winding road to Porters Pass, which sits at an elevation of 939 meters.

The car park is a small, unmarked gravel area on the right side of the road, right at the summit of the pass. It can be easy to miss, so slow down as you approach the top. Parking is limited, so arriving earlier in the day is a good idea, especially on a sunny weekend.

The Trail in Detail: What to Expect on Your Hike

The entire Trig M hike is an out-and-back trail along a scenic ridgeline. Our round trip was approximately 7km and took us around 3 hours with a 7-year-old and a 12-year-old, including plenty of breaks.

Trig M hike approximately 7km and took us around 3 hours with a 7-year-old and a 12-year-old, including plenty of breaks

My Garmin watch clocked a total elevation gain of 483 meters, making it a solid workout.

The Initial Climb: A Steep Start

Don’t be fooled by the easy access. The track begins immediately with a steep, leg-burning climb. I had layered up for the winter chill, but those layers quickly became a nuisance.

layered up for the winter chill

Within 10 minutes, my down jacket came off, followed by my fleece. I was soon hiking in just a T-shirt. This is a classic New Zealand winter tramping surprise—you work up a sweat on the ascent even when the air is cold! Take it slow and steady here.

down jacket came off, followed by my fleece
hiking in just a T-shirt

The Ridgeline: Walking Above the Clouds

After the first steep push, the path levels out onto a stunning, undulating ridgeline. This is where the Trig M hike truly shines. The track follows the ridgeline, offering continuous, jaw-dropping views.

Trig M hike truly shines
continuous, jaw-dropping views

We passed plenty of friendly locals out for a casual stroll with their dogs, which gives the trail a safe and welcoming feel.

friendly locals out for a casual stroll with their dogs

The Summit: Views and Victory Powerade

After conquering a second major rise, the final summit marker comes into view. Reaching the top feels fantastic! The open summit provides an unobstructed panorama of the surrounding Canterbury high country.

Trig M summit marker

We celebrated with a shared Powerade and took a few minutes to soak it all in. With the sun starting to dip, we didn’t linger long, but the sense of achievement was the perfect reward.


Hiking Trig M in Winter: Tips for Success

A winter Trig M hike is special, but it requires extra planning. The weather at Porters Pass can change in an instant.

The biggest challenge we faced was the terrain on the descent. The path was loose with gravel and scree, making some sections slippery. There were also patches of melted snow that had turned parts of the track into a muddy mess.

Key Winter Tips:

  • Check the Weather: Use a reliable forecast like the MetService New Zealand mountain forecast before you go. Wind is the biggest factor at this altitude.
  • Wear Proper Footwear: Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good grip are non-negotiable.
  • Layer Your Clothing: Wear a merino base layer, a fleece mid-layer, and a waterproof/windproof outer shell. You will be taking layers off and putting them back on.
  • Start Early: Winter days are short. Aim to be back at the car well before dusk.

Making the Trig M Hike Kid-Friendly

Getting kids up a mountain can be a challenge, but it’s completely doable. On the way down, my kids’ steps noticeably dragged. They were tired.

Getting kids up a mountain can be a challenge

Then, a moment of genius: I put on some of their favorite K-Pop songs. Like magic, their energy levels soared! They were dancing, singing, and practically running down the trail.

favorite K-Pop songs. Like magic, their energy levels soared

Tips for Hiking with Kids:

  1. Pack High-Energy Snacks: Bribery with chocolate, fruit snacks, and chips works wonders.
  2. Make it Fun: The “K-Pop Boost” was a game-changer. Create little games, look for landmarks, or have a trail-friendly playlist ready.
  3. Manage Expectations: Let them know there will be steep parts but also fun, flat parts with amazing views.
  4. Take Lots of Breaks: Let the kids set the pace. Short, frequent stops are better than long, infrequent ones.

This hike is a fantastic way to build resilience and a love for the outdoors. In fact, hiking is one of New Zealand’s most beloved activities. According to the Department of Conservation (DOC), over 50% of New Zealanders participate in walking or hiking annually, making it the country’s most popular form of recreation.


Essential Gear for Your Day Hike

Even for a day walk, being prepared is crucial in an alpine environment. Here’s a quick checklist:

  • Footwear: Hiking boots with good ankle support.
  • Clothing: Multiple layers (avoid cotton).
  • Outerwear: A waterproof and windproof jacket.
  • Navigation: The trail is easy to follow, but having the map on your phone or a GPS device is smart.
  • Food & Water: At least 1.5 liters of water per person, plus plenty of high-energy snacks. A warm drink in a flask is a winter luxury!
  • Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, even on cloudy days. The UV is harsh at altitude.
  • Safety: A basic first-aid kit and a fully charged phone. For any serious NZ tramping, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is recommended.

Don’t Forget the Pre-Hike Pie Stop!

No trip to the Canterbury high country is complete without a stop at the famous Sheffield Pie Shop. It’s a Kiwi institution.

the famous Sheffield Pie Shop
the famous Sheffield Pie Shop

While we were a bit disappointed that our favorite flavor was gone (we heard the owners might have changed), it’s still a must-do. My eldest gave the butter chicken pie a big thumbs-up. It’s the perfect fuel before you start your Trig M hike.

the famous Sheffield Pie Shop meat pie

The surge in domestic travel has made local gems like this even more popular. Recent data from Tourism New Zealand highlights that Kiwis spent over $1.5 billion on holidays within the Canterbury region alone in the past year, proving that exploring our own backyard is more popular than ever.

After our hike, we also grabbed a delicious takeaway from “Zzan” in Wigram on the way home, another fantastic local spot. If you’re looking for other family adventures, you can check out our guide to family adventures in Bali for when you plan to travel further afield.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How difficult is the Trig M hike?
The hike is moderately challenging. The main difficulty is the steep initial climb and the loose gravel on the descent. It requires a good level of fitness but is achievable for most people, including active children aged 7 and up.

2. Is the Trig M hike suitable for dogs?
Yes, the Trig M hike is located in the Korowai/Torlesse Tussocklands Park, where dogs are permitted. However, they must be kept under effective control at all times to protect local wildlife.

3. How long does the Trig M hike take?
Plan for approximately 2.5 to 4 hours for the 7km round trip. Our family took 3 hours, which included several photo stops, snack breaks, and a short rest at the summit.

4. Is there a toilet at the trailhead?
No, there are no toilet facilities at the Porters Pass car park or on the trail. The nearest public toilets are in Springfield on the way there.

Conclusion: The Perfect “Plan B” Adventure

While we didn’t get to use our ski passes, our hijacked plans led us to an amazing new track. The Trig M hike was the perfect blend of challenge and reward, delivering epic mountain views without an epic-level commitment.

It was a powerful reminder that sometimes, the best travel experiences are the unexpected ones. So next time your plans go sideways, don’t despair. A different, and maybe even better, adventure could be waiting just around the corner.

Have your travel plans ever taken an unexpected turn for the better? Let me know in the comments

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