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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -43.56044, 171.52354. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 30 min | 45 min one way
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Mount Hutt area
- 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
Mount Hutt Forest offers three short walking tracks.
This DOC directory entry covers Mount Hutt Forest walking tracks in Canterbury, within Mount Hutt area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 30 min | 45 min one way
- DOC grade: Easy
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
Alder Track
Time: 30 min one wayDistance: 830 m
This track starts in Awa Awa Rata Reserve and goes through alder-covered flats at the base of the hill. It then climbs through a larch plantation to connect with the southern end of Ridge Track.
Opuke Track
Time: 30 min one wayDistance: 820 m
This track connects Ridge Track with the end of the metalled road through Awa Awa Rata Reserve.
Ridge Track
Time: 45 min one wayDistance: 2.2 km
This track follows the ridge above Pudding Hill Stream and connects with Alder, Opuke and Scotts Saddle tracks.
Getting there
Mount Hutt Forest can be accessed from Awa Awa Rata Reserve at the end of McLennans Bush Road, which is off Arundel Rakaia Gorge Road and is 12.5 km from Methven.
The area can also be accessed from Mount Hutt Skifield access road. During summer, there is a locked gate at Scotts Saddle. You will need to walk from here.
Know before you go
Wasps may be present in high numbers, particularly during summer. Consider carrying an antihistamine product and if you are allergic to stings, ensure you bring your medication.
No mountain biking is allowed on these tracks.
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.
