Rod Donald Hut
Image: DOC
Rod Donald Hut
Located in Banks Peninsula area and Christchurch area in the Canterbury region
Hut overview
Facilities
- Heating
- Lighting
- Mattresses
- Toilets - non-flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Seasonal restrictions
Rod Donald Hut is on Te Ara Pātaka, this part of which is closed for lambing from 1 September – 25 October each year.
Year-round access to the hut is possible via Port Levy Saddle.
About this hut
This hut is owned and maintained by the Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust.
It sits on a 10 ha private property of mainly regenerating native bush protected by a QEII covenant. It offers wonderful views over the Little River area and surrounding hills.
Facilities
- Verandah
- Lounge with stove for heating the hut (not suitable for cooking, firewood supplied)
- Bunk room
- Solar lighting
- Tank water (should be boiled or treated before using)
- Composting toilet
What to bring
- Cooking stove, pots, pans
- Sleeping bag
- Toilet paper
Heritage
The hut was originally built as a private cabin in the early 1990s. The Rod Donald Trust purchased it in 2014 and upgraded it to meet the DOC Serviced Hut standards, before formally opening it to the public in November 2015. At the opening ceremony local Kaumatua James Robinson from Wairewa lifted the tapu alongside Rod Donald's father, partner and daughters. Rod Donald had a deep love for Banks Peninsula and is buried at St Andrew's church near Little River, in the valley below the hut.
Getting there
The hut is a 50 minute walk from Port Levy Saddle via the Te Ara Pātaka track. Port Levy Saddle can be accessed either from the car park at the top of the Western Valley Road from Little River, or via the Te Ara Pātaka track from Montgomery Scenic Reserve.
Tracks to the hut
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Port Levy Saddle to Rod Donald Hut
Located in Banks Peninsula areaThis track will will take through beautiful old growth tōtara forest at Waipuna Saddle and on to Rod Donald Hut which you can prebook for an overnight stay or visit as a day walk.Duration 50 minDifficulty Intermediate -
Rod Donald Hut to Hilltop Hotel
Located in Banks Peninsula areaWalk or mountain bike the track from Rod Donald Hut to Hilltop Hotel. Walkers will pass through Montgomery Park Scenic Reserve.Duration 6 hrDifficulty Intermediate -
Te Ara Pātaka/Summit Walkway
Located in Banks Peninsula area and Christchurch areaEnjoy magnificent views over Banks Peninsula, the Canterbury plains, Southern Alps and Pacific ocean on this track, which is about an hour's drive from Christchurch.Duration 2-3 daysDifficulty Intermediate, Advanced
Location
NZTopo50 map sheet: BX24
Grid/NZTM20000 coordinates; E1583679, N5159155
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
- Youth (11 - 17 years): $7:50 per night
- Child (0 - 10 years): $7:50 per night
Pay when you make a booking. Backcountry Hut Passes or tickets can't be used.
Bookings
Bookings are essential.
Book Rod Donald Hut online, or contact Ōtautahi/Christchurch Visitor Centre.
Know before you go
Camping: There isn't any flat ground around the hut to camp on.
Rubbish facilities are not provided - remember to take all your rubbish, including nappies, out with you.
There is no vehicle access to the hut under any circumstances.To enquire about taking youth or conservation groups to the hut contact he Rod Donald Trust: manager@roddonaldtrust.co.nz.
Contacts
| Ōtautahi / Christchurch Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 3 379 4082 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | christchurchvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
28 Worcester Boulevard Christchurch 8013 |
| Postal Address: |
Private Bag 11089 Christchurch 8443 |
| Full office details | |