Hideaway Hut Route: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This little gem of a hut is tucked away in Ahuriri Conservation Park.

This DOC directory entry covers Hideaway Hut Route in Canterbury, within Ahuriri Conservation 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: 6 km return via same track
• Walking time: 2 hr one way
• DOC grade: Expert

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

Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

Follow a short public access easement through private farmland to reach Ahuriri River and Ahuriri Conservation Park. Head towards an old derelict duckshooters hut on the river flats. Uphill from the hut you should be able to pick up an unmarked track that eventually reaches a small tarn. From the tarn it's a short distance to Hideaway Hut, tucked away under bluffs.

Tarn on Hideaway Hut Route in Ahuriri Conservation Park

Horse riding

The trip into Hideaway Hut makes a good horse ride. Driving from the access point on Birchwood Road to Ahuriri River is not recommended if towing a horse float.

Getting there

Turn off SH8 onto Birchwood Road, 17 km south of Omarama. The turnoff is signposted for Ahuriri Conservation Park. 200 m past the Birch Creek Bridge is an access sign to Ahuriri River.

4WD vehicles can be driven on this short public access easement through private farmland and parked beside the river.

Know before you go

Map: NZTopo50 BZ14 Mount Barth

Dog access: Dogs on a lead can be taken to Hideaway Hut. But they must be confined to a vehicle while crossing private farmland to get to Ahuriri River.

There is an ongoing trapping and poison operation for possums in this area. Monitor your dog and use a muzzle to avoid any potential scavenging of possum carcasses.

Check the flow of the Ahuriri River

Check the flow of the river if you intend to cross before you go: Ahuriri River flow. It is safe to cross when the flow is 18 cubic metres per second (cumecs) or less.

Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river or stream is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

How to cross rivers safely

NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows

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.