Black Valley Walk-Gibbs Walk, St Arnaud: 7th January 2022

 Another way to access Kerr Bay

When I recently visited Nelson Lakes NP I was staying at Nelson Lake Motel and discovered a track from the back of the motel down to Kerr Bay on Lake Rotoiti. I walked this track as a pre dinner jaunt after I had checked into the motel. It was my second walk for the day as I had completed the Braeburn Walk at Lake Rotoroa on the way to St Arnaud. 

The view from the Nelson Lakes Motel...St Arnaud Range

The Black Valley Walk is a 1.5 km track from Bridge Street to the carpark at Kerr Bay and it meanders alongside the Black Valley Stream for most of the way. From Kerr Bay you can make a loop walk by using the Gibbs Track to get back to SH63 which runs through St Arnaud.

There is a track from the motel to the Black Valley Walk

It is a very picturesque walk along Black Valley Stream...the water levels were not high but it is a handsome mountain stream which makes the walk much more interesting. Along the way you walk amongst mature Beech trees and there is a planted border of alpine and riverine plants right along the track.

Black Valley Stream with the track at its side

Heading down the Black Valley Walk to Kerr Bay

The track is heading steadily downhill from the back of the motel to the turn off to the St Arnaud Chapel and Visitor Centre after which it goes up and over some old moraine walls. Despite how busy it was in St Arnaud that weekend I only saw four other people while I was walking the track. 

Most of the Black Valley Walk at St Arnaud is in Beech forest

Toi Toi's along the Black Valley Walk, St Arnaud

There are a couple of side tracks off the Black Valley Walk including one to the General Store out on SH63. The track is wide and well maintained and it was very easy to follow with plenty of signage and track markers. 

The side track to the General Store, Black Valley Walk

There are properties along the boundary of the Black Valley Walk

Black Valley Stream looks awesome and I could imagine it would be great fun for families with children as it is shallow enough to be safe to explore. there are several places where you can reach the side of the stream and there are a number of larger rocks and cascades kids will love. I would watch this stream in heavy rain...it has a big catchment area so I imagine it gets full & moves at speed on occasion...

Cascades in the Black Valley Stream, St Arnaud

The Black Valley Walk is wide and easy to follow...

Narrows along Black Valley Stream at St Arnaud

Black Valley Stream is a pleasant mountain stream...

Looking back to the narrows on the Black Valley Stream

There is only one bigger hill to climb over this is about 3/4 of the way down to Kerr Bay and appeared to be an old moraine. It was not to strenuous to climb over as it would be less than a 40 meter rise over several hundred meters of track so the gradient is easy...

Erratic rocks on the top of an ancient moraine wall...Black Valley Walk

Well benched section of the Black Valley Walk

The turn off to the Chapel and DOC Visitor Centre is nearly at the end of the track and takes about five additional minutes to walk. It will deposit you on Kerr Bay Road right next to the turn off to the Visitor Centre.

Side track to Chapel and Visitor Centre, Black Valley Walk

A mix of Beech species along the Black Valley Walk

There are some large Red Beech trees near the end of the walk and just before you come out onto Kerr Bay Road. Red Beech is common in Nelson Lakes NP especially when you get further up the Travers and Sabine Valley's. I have seen examples here 2-3 meters around the trunk and over 40 meters tall...

There are some big Red Beech along the Black Valley Walk

After about 20 minutes you will find yourself down on the grassy areas which border the main Kerr Bay carpark. From here you have a number or options. You can return the way you came or head further along the road to the Kerr Bay Campsite and the track to Lakehead Hut. You could also walk back up Kerr Bay Road to the Visitor Centre or get back to St Arnaud along SH63. 

End of the Black Valley Walk at Kerr Bay

I wanted to go have a look at the Kerr Bay dock and boat ramp so I headed left and continued along Kerr Bay Road. It is about 100 meters from the bridge to where the ramp and dock jut out into the waters of the lake. 

Lake Rotoiti and Mt Robert from the end of the Black Valley Walk

End of the Black Valley Walk at Kerr Bay

You pass over Black Valley Stream on a road bridge between Kerr Bay and the Kerr Bay Campsite. The river here is wide and flows into Lake Rotoiti which is just off to your right and about 40 meters away. 

 Black Valley Stream at Kerr Bay, Nelson Lakes NP

You should head down to the shore of Lake Rotoiti and enjoy the views of Mt Robert, the St Arnaud Range and the head of the Travers Valley all of which are visible from the beach. It was dark and threatening looking with some clouds blowing in from the south. 

Looking up Travers Valley from Kerr Bay, Nelson Lakes NP

Brunner Peninsula from the Kerr Bay beach

From near the dock you can access the track network on the northern side of the lake with tracks such as the Lakehead Track, Bellbird Walk, Honeydew Walk, Loop Walk, St Arnaud Range Track and of course the classic Travers-Sabine Circuit. The route of the Te Araroa Trail also goes down the northern side of the lake and continues up the Travers Valley to cross Travers Pass (1700 asl)

Dock and boat ramp at Kerr Bay, Nelson Lakes NP

The northern end of Kerr Bay has a dock and a boat ramp for launching watercraft and it is always one of the best places to observe Lake Rotoiti. I have been here many, many times enroute to other places especially the head of the lake which I have visited over ten times now. 

The head of Lake Rotoiti back in July of 2021

Another point of interest here is the DOC Kerr Bay Campsite which I personally think is the nicest in the park. The campsite has spots for caravans, camper vans and tents and it was super busy as it always is from Christmas to the end of January. 

Entrance to Kerr Bay Campsite, St Arnaud

I have stayed here three times now and I think it is well set up with decent campsites, a good cooking shelter, showers and brand new ablution block. You can book a spot from early December right up to Easter and it makes a great home away from home for people travelling the upper South Island. 

Kerr Bay Campsite was full that weekend!!!

The shelter is a great addition with a cooker with gas supplied, filtered water, sinks and benches, tables and recycling facilities. It is never full and is a good spot to interact with other people using the camp site. 

Blechyden Shelter at the Kerr Bay Campsite

Plenty of holiday makers at Kerr Bay Campsite over Christmas

You can access the northern end of Black Valley Walk by continuing up Lake Drive which runs through the Kerr Bay Campsite but this can be dangerous as it is narrow, winding and often busy. A better option is to walk up Gibbs Track on the northern edge of the campsite as this takes you up to Bridge Street through the bush. 

Start of Gibbs Track at Kerr Bay Campsite

Gibbs Track is about 700 meters long and winds its way uphill right next to Lake Drive to a point just short of the Lake Drive-Bridge Street intersection. It is surrounded by Pole Beech and Black Beech so you need to be careful of the numerous Wasps flying through the forest. 

Gibbs Track is flat at the beginning....

The Gibbs Track starts off flat but soon begins a sharp climb up an ancient moraine wall at this end of Lake Rotoiti. At one point there was a massive glacier in this valley which carved the deep basin that Lake Rotoiti sits in. As it moved up and down the lake bed it accumulated a lot of rock debris which got dumped at this point when the glacier started to retreat. 

...the Gibbs Track runs through Pole Beech...

Here is a good example of natural resilience...these trees are growing on top of an old erratic rock in about 1 centimeter of soil. They have root winding down the side of the rock to access soil at its base. Most people would walk right by this but I think it is amazing....

Native trees atop a glacial erratic rock, Gibbs Track, St Arnaud

A steeper gradient at the top of Gibbs Track, St Arnaud

Gibbs Track comes out onto Lake Drive about 200 meters from the intersection with Bridge Street. There are a number of private holiday homes on both sides of the road and they range from simple shacks to luxury multiroom mansions. I can certainly see the appeal of owning a house up here especially if you are a boat owner, hunter, angler or tramper. 

Gibbs Track ends on Lake Road, St Arnaud

You head down Lake Drive always taking care to stay off the road as much as possible...this is the main access point to the Kerr Bay Campsite and it can be busy over the summer period. 

Watch out for those cars!!!!

Nelson Lakes NP boundary on Lake Drive

Lake Road links Kerr Bay with SH 63 at Lake Rotoiti

Heading down Lake Road towards SH63 at St Arnaud

Take care as Lake Road is narrow without sidewalks

Once down on Bridge Street you turn left once again and head down towards SH63 which runs right through St Arnaud. About 300 meters down the road on the left you will see a bridge over Black Valley Stream and this is where you can once again rejoin the Black Valley Walk. 

You turn down Bridge Street towards SH63...and St Arnaud

Black Valley Walk continues past this bridge...

The walk at this end runs along the edge of a number of properties and on the eastern side of you is Black Valley Stream. There is a significant area of native planting along the river and it works well to blend everything together in a natural fashion...

Toi Toi line the side of Black Valley Stream

From the bridge it is about 200 meters back to the small track connecting the motel to the Black Valley Walk. I sauntered back down the track and back to the motel for a well deserved beverage (Barcardi and Pineapple juice) and some snacks...

Back at the intersection linking the Nelson Lakes Motel with the track...

The start of the connector track at the Nelson Lakes Motel

There was a great view of the St Arnaud Range from the motel especially in the afternoon as the low setting sun cast a golden light over the nearby mountains. 

The sun sets over the St Arnaud Range....from Nelson Lakes Motel

The Black Valley Walk is very nice with the lovely stream off to your right and it is a awesome way to get from St Arnaud village down to the side of Lake Rotoiti. When you combine it with a trip back along the Gibbs Track it makes a great wee loop walk for an evening stroll or early morning constitutional. Give it a go if you ever happen to be in St Arnaud. 

Access: Black Valley Walk starts on Bridge Street and finishes on Kerr Bay road near St Arnaud. There is a side track from the back of Nelson Lakes Motel which joins the ,main track. The loop is also accessible from Kerr Bay Road or Lake Road off SH63 (...the main road through St Arnaud...). Numerous tracks start from Kerr Bay and branch off the main Lakehead Hut Track. Gibbs Track starts on the northern edge of Kerr Bay Campsite and follows close to Lake Road to Bridge Street. The Black Valley Walk restarts from a bridge over Black Valley Stream. 
Track Times: It takes approximately an hour to walk the Black Valley Walk-Gibbs Track loop. It would be around 3 kilometers in total. 
Miscellaneous: High quality track, with multiple side tracks to other points in St Arnaud. Black Valley Stream follows the track closely. There are Wasps in the forest over summer so care must be taken. Lake Road is narrow and often busy so watch for traffic...

Banks Peninsula, Packhorse Hut Day Trip: 6th November 2021

 On my annual trip to Packhorse Hut...

I recently went for my semi annual visit to Packhorse Hut this time from the Kaituna Valley. I have not been up to the hut for two years now and with a bad weather forecast for the mountains I decided it was time for a trip there. This was my 14th visit to Packhorse Hut over the last 25 odd years and it is one of my favorite spots to visit.

DOC sign at the start of the Packhorse Hut Track

It was super busy at the Kaituna Valley start of the Packhorse Hut Track...there were at least 15 cars parked along the road side. I set off the same time as a large group from the CTC as I recognised a number of the trampers from photos and vlogs I have seen. 

The Silver Surfer parked in Kaituna Valley

Packhorse Hut track starts off crossing farmland before following an old 4 W/D track most of the way up to the hut. It is an easy track but it is bloody steep as well so be prepared for a good workout for the legs and lungs. It was very busy so I had groups of people and individuals around me for the whole way up to the hut and on my return. 

Starting out over farmland, Packhorse Hut Track

It is a great wee walk up to the Packhorse Hut and I always enjoy my visits there...I will have to look at arranging an overnight stay some time in the near future. 

Heading to Packhorse Hut...

It is only 4.2 kilometers from the start of the Packhorse Hut Track to the hut but it still takes over two hours to cover the distance. The reason is the steepness of the track...the first kilometer is flat but after that it is up hill all the way to the hut. Some parts are very steep which really slows you down.

On the old farm track at the start of the Packhorse Hut Track

The Eucalypt forest has been cut down...

After walking over the farmland you are following an old 4 W/D track practically to the hut door. It is generally easy walking and very well marked so people don't stray off the track. This is all private land so it is important to follow the markers to keep the farmer on side and maintain access across the land...

Just past the old Eucalypt forest...

Most of the time this is an all weather track but do be aware that there are four crossings of a small river which runs down the ridge side. In very heavy rain the small trickle can turn to a raging beast of a river which can be dangerous. I have seen photos of the river in flood and it would easily be more than waist deep on 6'3" Jon....

Packhorse Hut Track: river crossing #1

...Packhorse Track...river crossing #2...

...and river crossing #3 on the Packhorse Hut Track

Ongaonga is endemic to Banks Peninsula and there is a lot of it along the route to Packhorse Hut. Ongaonga has a neuro toxin in the small spines on the plant which leads to intense pain if you brush up against it. You should be aware of what Ongaonga looks like and do your best to stay away from it. I once got slapped on the calve by Ongaonga and the pain is not one I would wish on my worst enemy...

Ongaonga next to the Packhorse Hut Track

Past the third river crossing the gradient of the track gets much steeper...it is moderately hard work but you just take your time and grind away at it. You start to get some views up towards Kaituna Saddle and Pt.570 to the south of the hut about half way up...

Start of the climb up to Kaituna Saddle, Packhorse Hut Track

Pt. 570 from the mid regions of Packhorse Hut Track

Waking through the Manuka forest, Packhorse Hut Track

I saw this enormously fat and succulent looking Wood Pigeon sitting on a tree branch....there are a lot of native birds in the Kaituna Valley due to the many small native forest reserves. I have also seen Tui, Bellbirds, Fantails, Kahu and native Geese when I have been here. 

A very plump Woodpigeon next toi the Packhorse Hut Track

There is a track junction just before the top most river crossing...make sure you take the left hand track as this is the one to the hut. The other track is over private farmland to the base of Mt Bradley but is not for general use by the public.

Track junction near the last river crossing, Packhorse Hut Track

...Packhorse Hut is too the left at the track junction!

There is another river crossing near here...this is the last of the crossings on this track. 

The top most river crossing, Packhorse Hut Track

Past that last river crossing the track gets very steep and consists of exposed clay substrate...it is hard and dusty when dry and slick and dangerously slippery when wet. The next 500 meters of the track are the steepest section and requires a bit of care especially when descending. 

Starting the steeper climb on the clay track...

You start to get better views of Mt Bradley from here to the hut...Mt Bradley is the third highest spot on Banks Peninsula and the views from the top are spectacular especially to the south past Lake Ellesmere. The last time I was up there on a clear day you could see all the way down to Oamaru nearly 250 kilometers south of Christchurch...

Good view of Mt Bradley from the Packhorse Hut Track

Below is the steepest part of the Packhorse Hut Track...I have fallen over a number of times in the past along here on that stupid clay surface. If it is raining I recommend you walk along the fence line as it gives you something to hold onto as you descend!

The steepest section of Packhorse Hut Track starts with grass...

...and turns into hard packed clay...

Past the clay the track levels out quite a bit and you are out in the open as this is the edge of the permanent bush except for a couple of small reserves you pass through. You will need a sun hat and sun screen on this track as you are exposed to the full glare of the sun from here to the hut and back. 

The Packhorse Hut Track levels out above the clay track

View of the Remarkable Dykes from the Packhorse Hut Track

There are some stonking views back down the Kaituna Valley and you can see right out to Lake Ellesmere, Birdlings Flat and the Southern Ocean. It was very green and verdant when I visited as we have had a bit of rain recently...

View back down to the Kaituna Valley...

Bush to the rear of Pt. 570, Kaituna Valley

Parkinson's Bush on the south face of Mt Bradley

First view of Kaituna Saddle...the hut is in the middle

You can just see Packhorse Hut from here...

Parkinson's Bush Reserve runs down the south eastern flank of Mt Bradley and is a QEII covenanted area of native bush. I reaches from just off the summit to almost the forest floor in a gully on this side of the mountain. There are some big Kahikatea, Totora, Matai and other trees typical of the forest species you would have seen here before European settlement. 

Parkinson's Bush, Mt Bradley

The whole of Mt Bradley was recently purchased by a nature consortium and is going to be turned into a new recreation park. They have plans to plant native trees right down to near the Packhorse Hut so the whole mountain will be covered in native forest in 50-100 years time. This will be a return to the state the mountain was in prior to European settlement in the 1840's. 

I wish I could be here to see that...but alas!!!

Packhorse Hut Track...500 meters from the hut!!!

The side stream here was dry on the day, Packhorse Hut Track

Eventually you get your first sight of the brick red roof of the Packhorse Hut on the flat ground between Mt Bradley and Pt. 570. This is Kaituna Saddle and was once a route used by people on the Peninsula to get from the Kaituna Valley to Lyttleton. It saved the long journey around the Port Hills and Banks Peninsula in pre motorized days... 

First good view of Packhorse Hut on Kaituna Saddle

Birdlings Flat and Lake Ellesmere at the end of Kaituna Valley

Mt Bradley dominates the surrounds up here and it is possible to climb to the summit from this side. The usual route is to head towards the Mt Herbert Shelter and follow a side track up the right hand edge of the south face. There is a natural grassy gully near the top which negates any climbing or rock scrabbling. 

You can climb Mt Bradley from the south face...

Kaituna Saddle on Banks Peninsula

I eventually arrived at Packhorse Hut after just over two hours of walking....it is always great to make it to the hut. Even though I had seen many people on the way to the hut when I actually got there there was just myself and a couple of guys who had been walking just in front of me. 

Packhorse Hut, Banks Peninsula

It was great to be back at the Packhorse Hut as this is my most visited and one of my favorite backcountry huts in New Zealand. 

At Packhorse Hut:

As mentioned this was my 14th visit to Packhorse Hut over the last 25 odd years...the last time I was up here was two years ago when I was acting as the volunteer hut warden with my daughter Georgia. We spent two weeks in 2018/2019 doing that role but it is now a full time DOC position over the summer months. I can recommend volunteering to be a hut warden...it is a lot of fun and a way to give back to the community...

Pt. 570 backs Packhorse Hut from this location

There are a number of tracks from Packhorse Hut...the route I followed from Kaituna Valley, the track down to Gebbies Pass and the track to Orton Bradley Estate along the north face of Mt Bradley. If you follow the track around the south face of Mt Bradley you will find yourself at Mt Herbert Shelter and the track to the top of Mt Herbert and Little Mt Herbert (Pt. 913).

Waypoint for the Kiwi Guardian scheme on Kaituna Saddle...

Tracks to Gebbies Pass and Orton Bradley start near here...

There are some stunning views from Kaituna Saddle of the Kaituna Valley, south to Gebbies Pass and the Canterbury Plains and east and north to Lyttleton and the Port Hills. 

Gebbies Pass from Kaituna Saddle, Banks Peninsula

Lyttleton and the Port Hills from Kaituna Saddle

You can see down to McQueens Forest where the track from Gebbies Pass winds through the trees. At night the lights of Lyttleton, Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains are very evident...

Head of the Bay and the Port Hills from Kaituna Saddle

Looking down on McQueens Forest and Gebbies Pass

Packhorse Hut from the Gebbies Pass Track..

I went into the hut and had some lunch...the views up here are nice but the wind does blow over the saddle with a bit of force and it is cold outside. There were just the three of us in the hut...myself and the two dudes who were just ahead of me walking up the track. I'm pleased to see the hut maintenance is continuing..it looked to be recently painted and there is a new wood burner installed. 

Entrance to Packhorse Hut....

There is a profusion of Covid 19 messaging in the hut...we are still at Covid Level 2 here so there are a few limitations as to behavior. You are supposed to wear a mask and scan into every building you enter to allow contact tracing...

Interior of Packhorse Hut: the living area

Packhorse Hut is the child of  Harry Ells vision of a continuous walking track from Christchurch to Akaroa. The hut was intended as and served as an overnight accommodation point with beds and meals provided by in house staff. 

The Depression and then WW II interfered with development and the full track was never finished. They did build some of the huts though with Sign of the Takahe, Sign of the Bellbird, Sign of the Kiwi and Packhorse Hut all being a part of the network. 

Interior of Packhorse Hut: history of the Harry Ell track network

As always I had a peruse of the hut intentions book to see who had come calling....I spotted some familiar names in the book which I strike at numerous Canterbury huts I visit. 

The Packhorse Hut intentions book...

Packhorse Hut has nine bunks which must be booked on the hut booking system before you arrive. The hut is usually full every weekend so you really have to check before setting out as there is no space for random visitors. It is an excellent first tramp or overnight destination for newbie trampers, solo walkers, fit older folk and family groups. 

Interior of Packhorse Hut: the bunkroom

Interior of Packhorse Hut: view from the bunkroom to rear of hut

I have stayed here overnight three times with the last when I was walking the Te Ara Pataka track back in 2017. I was meant to be here in April 2020 but I only got as far as Rod Donald Hut before I had to bail out and head for home. Bad weather over Mt Herbert made it imprudent to continue so I walked down to Little River and Karen came to collect me (because she is lovely).....

Interior of Packhorse Hut: a Covid sign in the hut

Interior of Packhorse Hut: the new Morison firebox...

If you are staying the night I recommend a walk to the crest of Pt.570 just to the south of the hut. There are awesome views down to McQueens Forest and Gebbies Pass from there. Alternately go for a stroll up Mt Bradley and check out the awesome views from the top...take emergency gear with you and warm clothing as it is a much more difficult proposition.

There is a picnic table at Packhorse Hut

Exterior of Packhorse Hut: the rear of the hut

Exterior of Packhorse Hut: the northern end of the hut

Packhorse Hut toilet...well tied down!!!

Please note that there is filtered water and a toilet at the hut...the water tanks are around the back of the hut with two big tanks located there. The toilet at Packhorse Hut has been blown over 3-4 times now which gives you an idea of how strong the local wind is. It is now uber bolted to the ground with several cable tiedowns to hold it in place...

Farewell Packhorse Hut...see you again soon!!!

It was nice to visit this old friend and I commented to Karen that we need to arrange an overnight stay at the hut some time...

Heading for home...

I spent about 30 minutes up at the hut before packing my gears and heading back down to the valley floor. On the way I did a side trip to check out Packhorse Bivouac just down from the main hut in Parkinson's Bush. 

Parkinson's Bush and the greater Kaituna Valley

Packhorse Bivouac acts as hut warden accommodation for people managing the main Packhorse Hut. This is were Georgia and I stayed back in 2018/2019. It still looks much the same and I note they have now installed a metal cooking bench and sink outside the hut with water piped from their own water tank. There are also a set of solar panels on the roof probably for charging the RT radios and iPad they provide to the wardens. 

Crossing the fence to visit the Packhorse Bivouac

Packhorse Bivouac, Parkinson's Bush, Banks Peninsula

After my whistle tour visit I climbed back up to the main track and headed down the hill to the car. That is one of the advantages to this trip...it is all downhill once you make it to the hut. It normally takes me about 1.5 hours to get back to the car but today it was a little slower as I was filming for the YouTube channel on the way back...

Heading back up to the Packhorse Hut Track...

Back on the Packhorse Hut Track to the valley floor

Parkinson's Bush to left of the Packhorse Hut Track

The sun came out as the day progressed so it was a bit warm heading back down to the carpark in the Kaituna Valley. I put my hat on and kept it on shortly after taking this photo...I was getting burnt!!!

Jon on the Packhorse Hut Track

I continued on down the track enjoying the views of the Kaituna Valley and surrounding ridges. At one point there is a distant view to Mt Fitzgerald one of the five highest points on Banks Peninsula. Te Ara Pataka sidles the mountain and then goes up and over the top of it...

It got sunnier as the day progressed...Packhorse Hut Track

Kaituna Scenic Reserve is visible in the valley....

Mt Fitzgerald to the rear of Kaituna Spur...

I was happy to head back into the protection of the tree line as that sun was really roasting me...

Packhorse Hut Track...back at the permanent bush-line

I must reiterate just how treacherous that clay track is...go slow and take your time walking down over it as it is quite dangerous. As I said before in extremis walk along the fence line and use it to keep yourself standing...

Care is needed descending the clay on the Packhorse Hut Track

It was busy on the Packhorse Hut Track that day...

Once back on the grass it is fine to walk along the center of the track as the grass gives you more traction than the clay. 

On the grass below the clay track, Packhorse Hut Track

I soon found myself back at the top river crossing and on the flatter track...you can make fast progress from here as the gradient is less steep and easier to negotiate.

The top river crossing on the Packhorse Hut Track

Back on the old farm track...Packhorse Hut Track

Third river crossing...Packhorse Hut Track

It was cool and shady in the forest...

The mid sections of this track are covered with Ongaonga especially around those streams so watch out when you are crossing. I saw one of the people ahead of me walk through it as if it was nothing...I bet they wondered why their leg was hurting later...

More Ongaonga along the Packhorse Hut Track

Once back at the bottom river crossing it is flat ground again and from here you will mostly be walking across farmland so once again stay to the marked track at all times...

Bottom river crossing...Packhorse Hut Track

We head right off the farmers track...onto the marked track!!

Crossing farmland along the Packhorse Hut Track

Before I knew it I was cresting that last hill down by the road and less than 400 meters from the end of the track. I had really enjoyed walking this track once again and found it to be much the same as the last 5-6 times I had covered it. 

Last small hill at the end of the Packhorse Hut Track

Back at the start of the Packhorse Hut Track

A lot of the cars were gone by the time I got back to the Silver Surfer as people finished the track and drove off. That said two new cars pulled up as I was packing my gear in the car and the occupants started along the walk. 

Late starts are possible on this track as it only take 3-4 hours to complete so even if you start at 4 pm in the summer you can still walk it in daylight...I will come do that over the summer to show you.

The Silver Surfer awaits at Kaituna Valley

It was busy in the Kaituna Valley on the day...

Walking up to the Packhorse Hut is a fun days outing and should be on the too do list of every respectable Canterbury tramper. It is steep in parts but remember the first quarter is flat and you will be walking down hill all the way back to the car once you reach the saddle. 

Access: Track starts at the Parkinson's Road carpark, off Kaituna Valley Road.

Track Times:  2-2.5 hours Kaituna Valley to Packhorse Hut, 2.5-3.5 hours Gebbies Pass to Packhorse Hut also able to access from Mt Herbert Shelter

Hut Details: Packhorse Hut: Serviced, 9 bunks, wood burner, water tank, woodshed, toilets, cell coverage in front of the hut: Packhorse Bivouac: DOC use only, 1 bunk, water tank, gas heater, toilet at main hut.

Miscellaneous: Packhorse Hut is on the DOC Hut booking system, must be booked for an overnight visit before you arrive.