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Key facts
- Distance
- 17 km one way
- Walking time
- 5 hr 30 min
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Lake Sumner Forest Park
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Doubtful Valley Track follows the Doubtful River to Amuri Pass with two huts on the way. The Lake Man and Devilskin Saddle Routes branch off this track.
This DOC directory entry covers Doubtful Valley Track in Canterbury, within Lake Sumner Forest Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 17 km one way
- Walking time: 5 hr 30 min
- DOC grade: Advanced
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
SH7 to Doubtful Hut
Time: 2 hr
Take care with river crossing; cross the Boyle River then follow the poled track on the true right of the Doubtful River across open flats to the bush. Here, pick up the track to Doubtful Hut.
Devilskin Saddle Route starts from Doubtful Hut. It links the Nina and Doubtful valleys via Devilskin Saddle.
Doubtful Hut to Doubtless Hut
Time: 1 hour 30 min
Continue up grassy river flats and sections of track until you reach the Doubtful–Doubtless confluence. Cross the Doubtful River and then the Doubtless River to reach the Doubtless Hut on the true left of the river.
Lake Man Route begins from Doubtful Valley Track between Doubtful Hut and Doubtless Hut.
Doubtless Hut to Amuri Pass
Time: 2 hr
From the hut, cross the Doubtless River and follow the track for about 10 minutes to a junction. Follow the track up the Doubtful River, crossing after about 20 minutes to the true right. The track follows the river to cut across Phantom Flat. At the top end of the flat, the track climbs steeply to the bushline. An old pack track crosses Amuri Pass.
Getting there
Lake Sumner Forest Park lies 100 km northwest of Christchurch between the Lewis Pass and Arthur’s Pass National Park.
There is a car park by SH 7 – around 5 km further on from Windy Point and 5 km before Boyle Village.
There is no bridge over Boyle River from this access point, but the swingbridge at Windy Point (around 2 hours walk) can be reached via Tui Track if the river cannot be crossed.
Know before you go
Safety is your responsibility:
Have the correct and the most up-to-date information
Take a topographic map if going into more challenging country, i.e. something more than a tramping track.
Always be prepared for sudden weather changes. Check the latest forecast, especially if any river crossings are required.
Equip yourself well and prepare for the worst. Take enough food and water and the right clothing.
Ensure someone else knows where you are going and when you plan to return.
If staying in huts, fill in the intentions book. This may save your life.
Dial 111 immediately for any fire emergency.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
