Nina Valley Track
Located in Lake Sumner Forest Park in the Canterbury region
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Introduction
In good conditions, the track to Nina Hut is suitable for families with children who have some tramping experience and new trampers - it is relatively flat but can be rough and muddy in places and has several stream crossings.13 km one way
Dog access
Image gallery
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Tramper on swing bridge over Nina river Image: Edward Hathway | Creative Commons
![Tramper on swing bridge suspended over river.]( "Tramper on swing bridge suspended over river.")
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Nina swing bridge Image: Jonathon Moake ©
![Nina swing bridge.]( "Nina swing bridge.")
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Beech forest on Nina Valley Track Image: Jonathon Moake ©
![Beech forest on Nina Valley Track.]( "Beech forest on Nina Valley Track.")
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One of several side streams to cross on Nina Valley Track Image: Jonathon Moake ©
![Side stream on Nina Valley Track]( "Side stream on Nina Valley Track")
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Nina Valley Track Image: Jonathon Moake ©
![Nina Valley Track.]( "Nina Valley Track.")
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The track to Nina Hut is rough and muddy in places Image: Jonathon Moake ©
![Mud on Nina Valley Track.]( "Mud on Nina Valley Track.")
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Nina Hut Image: Jonathon Moake ©
![Nina Hut.]( "Nina Hut.")
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.
Access is off SH7, around 50 km after the turnoff to Hanmer Springs and 10 km from Lewis Pass.
There is a carpark just opposite Palmer Lodge (private lodge). A swingbridge over the Lewis River gives access to the Nina Valley.
NZTopo50 map sheets: BT23, BU23
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.
Check the Devilskin Saddle weather forecast – NIWA website.
Stay safe in the outdoors
- Choose the right trip for you. Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it.
- Understand the weather. Check weather forecasts.
- Pack warm clothes and extra food. Check gear lists.
- Share your plans and take ways to get help. Share directly or use the Outdoor Intentions form or Plan My Walk. Take a distress beacon.
- Take care of yourself and each other.
Contacts
| Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +64 3 318 9211 |
| arthurspassvc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | 104 West Coast Road Arthur's Pass 7654 |
| Hours | See visitor centre hours |