Devilskin Saddle route

Route

Time:  

2 days

Getting there

Lake Sumner Forest Park lies 100 km northwest of Christchurch between the Lewis Pass and Arthur’s Pass National Park.

This track starts on State Highway 7, opposite the NZDA Palmer Lodge, approximately five kilometres north of the Boyle Village.

Car parking

Car parking is available at both entrances, but the Boyle area is more secure. The area is subject to vandalism. For a small fee, Boyle River Outdoor Education Centre offers secure parking and a drop off service. Please book this service, phone +64 3 315 7082.

Public transport

Southern Link (+64 3 358 8355) provides transport between Christchurch and Nelson via the Lewis Pass Road (State Highway 7). Trampers should aim to arrive at the shelters at least a half hour before the scheduled times which are approximate. It is up to trampers to signal the bus drivers. (Note: timetables are always subject to change.)

Description

The trip can be completed in either direction but starting from the Nina River is preferable. It is recommended to stay the night at Nina Hut and complete the tramp in a long second day.
Those wanting an easier option could walk up to Nina Hut, stay the night and return the same way the next day.

To Nina Hut

Time: 3 hr 

The track starts on State Highway 7, opposite the NZDA Palmer Lodge, approximately five kilometres north of the Boyle Village. Begin by crossing the Lewis River via a swingbridge and then 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 beautiful beech forest above the Nina River. The river is reached after about an hour of walking. Here good camping is available on the grassy river flats.

The track continues up the true left of the river for a short distance to where a newly constructed swingbridge crosses the river. Here there are two tracks. One track keeps to the true left of the river and leads further up the valley to Nina Bivouac.
The track to Nina Hut however, heads up the true right of the river, gradually climbing to reach the new Nina Hut.

This section of track can be muddy in wet conditions. Situated on a rise with a spectacular view, the hut is a good place to spend the night.

Nina Hut to Devils Den Bivouac

Time: 2 hr 30 min  

Devilskin Saddle

The track to Devilskin Saddle begins on the west side of the clearing and sidles through beech forest high above the Nina River.

This section is a little harder to follow, but is reasonably marked. Gradually gain altitude and eventually reach Blind Stream after about an hour. The track then climbs above the true right of the stream and climbs very steeply up a spur. Use tree roots for hand and foot holds to avoid a hidden waterfall.

The track then levels out and soon reaches the old hut sitee at the tree line. This area is suitable for camping in summer, but is avalanche-prone in winter.

From here the route continues up the true right of the stream, through waist-high red tussock. This section is a route only and avalanche danger exists in winter and spring.

The route follows marker poles and sidles away from the stream and climbs for about half an hour to reach the Devilskin Saddle, where there are good views down both valleys. The new Devils Den Bivouac is a further 100 m along the saddle. Note: It is not suitable for camping in this area and trampers will need to return back to camp overnight. 

Devils Den Bivouac to Doubtful Hut

Time: 3 hr 30 min

From the hut the route descends, following marker poles down into Devilskin Stream, where a track is picked up at the bushline.

 This track sidles high on the true left above the stream, through silver beech forest with the occasional clearing offering splendid views across the valley. It eventually descends quite steeply through silver and red beech forest to the confluence of Devilskin Stream and the Doubtful River.

The Doubtful River must be crossed here. This could be very dangerous during or after heavy rain. If river levels are high, wait until they subside before crossing. Doubtful hut is situated just downstream on a lovely river terrace.

Doubtful Hut to State Highway 7

Time: 2 hr  

From Doubtful Hut the track continues down the true right bank of the river and climbs onto a terrace to avoid a gorge. Below this the track crosses some large river flats through a maze of matagouri. The track is well marked by markers with orange sleeves on them.

The track finishes with a crossing of the Boyle River below its junction with the Doubtful River. If the river is high, cross the Doubtful first, above its junction with the Boyle River, then cross the Boyle River.

Plan and prepare

This trip is suitable for fit, moderately equipped people with previous tramping experience.

Navigational skills and the ability to judge weather and river conditions are essential. Be prepared to turn back if conditions are not safe. Cross rivers safely. Take care with river crossings especially after heavy rain. If in doubt, wait it out.

Note: True right and true left refer to the sides of the valley or river when looking downstream.

Take a map and compass.

Best season: This can be walked year round, however avalanche danger may exist in winter and spring.

NZTopomap50: BT23, BU23 

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