Packhorse Hut to Mt Herbert/Te Ahu Pātiki summit: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

The track crosses the Sign of the Packhorse Scenic Reserve with many young, regenerating lancewood trees.

This DOC directory entry covers Packhorse Hut to Mt Herbert/Te Ahu Pātiki summit in Canterbury, within Banks Peninsula 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: 6.5 km one way
• Walking time: 2 hr 15 min
• 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

Head east through Sign of the Packhorse Scenic Reserve through many young, regenerating horoeka/lancewood trees. The track emerges from the reserve into open country and zig-zags steeply up the side of Mount Bradley, climbing 300 m. This is the toughest part of the track, so take a rest and admire the view of Lake Ellesmere (Te Waihora). After the last zig-zag the track heads east, skirting below the mountain's rocky massif through gorse, bush and regenerating scrub – you will have to pick over some rocky patches.

The track emerges at a fence line on the pass between Mount Bradley and Mount Herbert. Cross at the stile and carry straight on near the fence. You will soon join a farm track; stay on the main track when a side track branches off to Orton Bradley Park. The Mount Herbert Shelter is a short distance along and has a toilet and water.

From the shelter, return to the farm track. Turn right after about 400 m, up a smaller track that leads through gorse to the Mount Herbert / Te Ahu Pātiki summit. If you miss this turnoff, there is another opportunity to reach the summit when the track from Te Waipapa / DiamondHarbour joins.

There are stunning views from here on a good day. On a cloudy day it can be misty and confusing so watch closely for the track markers, which are closer together on this section.

From Mount Herbert / Te Ahu Pātiki, you can return to Packhorse Hut via the same track. Alternatively, you can:

• continue on along Te Ara Pātaka / Summit Walkway towards Western Valley Road

• take the Mount Herbert Walkway / Te Ahu Pātiki which leads down to Te Waipapa/Diamond Harbour.

Getting there

Take SH75 to Kaituna Valley Road. Turn left into Parkinsons Road approximately 6 km up the valley. Park near the road end where the track starts

From the car park follow the Kaituna Valley Packhorse Hut track to the Packhorse Hut.

Know before you go

• Mountain biking is not allowed on this section.

• The track is suitable for people with moderate backcountry skills and experience. It's rough and steep in places.

• The track is exposed to all weathers. It can be windy, cold and prone to low cloud in poor weather. Check the forecast before you go.

• In winter, the track over Mt Herbert and Mt Bradley can get snowy and icy.

• The track gets very hot in summer, bring lots of water and sun protection.

• Water and toilets are only available at the huts and the Mt Herbert shelter.

• The track crosses private farmland – respect this and keep to the track. There may be sheep and cattle in the area of the track and hut. Do not touch the animals including lambs and calves, and give all animals plenty of space.

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.