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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: -43.80445, 172.85433. 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
- 1.6 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 90 mins
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Banks Peninsula area
- Seasonal restrictions
- Dogs are allowed on the track - the onsite sign is currently incorrect.
- Dog access
- Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. 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
This family-friendly walk has stunning views of Akaroa Harbour, Kaitorete, and the peaks of Banks Peninsula to the South Alps.
This DOC directory entry covers Saddle Hill Summit Track 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: 1.6 km return via same track
- Walking time: 90 mins
- 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.
Seasonal restrictions
Dogs are allowed on the track - the onsite sign is currently incorrect.
Dog access
Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
From the track car park and entrance on Bossu Road climb over the fence stile by the old sheep yards. From there follow the track and markers up a short climb over rolling tussock slopes.
The track soon levels out and leads around a basin where you can look down on regenerating bush and the popular climbing routes on Coffin Rock. Continue along the track as it climbs to the trig station and enjoy stunning views over Akaroa Harbour.
The summit of the track offers an amazing view looking back on the Southern Alps and the unique landforms of Te Waihora and Kaitorete.
Getting there
Starting from Okuti Valley drive along Reynolds Valley Road. Reynolds Valley Road is windy, exposed, narrow and is made from gravel. Winter conditions may make this road impassable.
Continue on Reynolds Valley Road for 6.8 kilometres then turn left onto Bossu Road.
Continue on Bossu Road for 400 metres. The track entrance will be on the left.
Track entrance details
Location: GPS coordinates -43.808462, 172.843901
Capacity: Five cars.
Know before you go
This track is best done on a clear day. It is high and very exposed, and the weather is very changeable. Take warm clothing even in summer.
There is no water supply on the track.
There is rocky terrain and steep drop-offs near the summit.
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.
