Nina Valley Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This track goes to the upper Nina Valley. While relatively flat, this track can be rough and muddy in places and has several stream crossings.

This DOC directory entry covers Nina 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: 13 km one way
• Walking time: 5 hr
• 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.

• Upper Nina Bivvy closed; First published on 3 November 2025. Last reviewed on 30 July 2026.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

The track to the hut can be wet and boggy in places and it has several stream crossings.

The track is rough under foot in places. Expect times to take longer than listed if tramping with children or after periods of rain.

SH7 to Nina swing bridge

Time: 1 hr

Cross the Lewis River via the swing bridge and follow the true right bank for a short section before climbing briefly onto a terrace. The track then heads northwest away from the river and sidles through beech forest above the Nina River. The river is reached after about an hour of walking. The track continues up the true left of the river to where the Nina swing bridge crosses it.

Lucretia Hut Route starts from the swing bridge.

Nina swing bridge to Nina Hut

Time: 2 hr

After crossing the bridge, the track heads up the true right of the river, gradually climbing to reach the Nina Hut.

Nina Hut to Upper Nina Biv

Time: 2 hr

From Nina Hut follow the track down to Nina River and cross at a suitable place (note, it may not be crossable in high flow). Follow the track up the true left of the river to Upper Nina Biv.

Getting there

Access is off SH7, around 50 km after the turnoff to Hanmer Springs and 10 km from Lewis Pass.

There is a car park about 150 m north of the NZDA Lodge/Palmer Lodge (private lodge). Across the road from the car parking area is a swingbridge over the Lewis River which gives access to the Nina Valley.

There have been reports of cars being broken into and disabled along SH7. Don’t leave valuables in your car and leave vehicles at your own risk.

Know before you go

NZTopo50 map sheets: BT23, BU23

Check the Devilskin Saddle weather forecast – NIWA website.

Toilets

There are no public toilets in this area. The nearest ones are at Boyle Village or Springs Junction.

Muddy track

The Nina Valley Track to Nina Hut can become extremely muddy, especially after heavy rain. Expect times to take longer than listed after periods of rain.

Stay safe when crossing rivers

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

Do not cross if the river 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

Wasps

Wasp populations reach high numbers from January to April – cover food and keep lids on sweet drinks, wear light-coloured clothing and carry antihistamine cream/tablets as a precaution.

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.