Image: Edward Hathway | Creative Commons
River following between trees.
Nina Valley Track

Located in Lake Sumner Forest Park in the Canterbury region

This track goes to the upper Nina Valley. While relatively flat, this track can be rough and muddy in places and has several stream crossings.

The track to the hut can be wet and boggy in places and it has several stream crossings.

The track is rough under foot in places. Expect times to take longer than listed if tramping with children or after periods of rain.

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 about 150m north of the NZDA Lodge/Palmer Lodge (private lodge). Across the road from the carparking area is a swingbridge over the Lewis River which gives access to the Nina Valley.

There have been reports of cars being broken into and disabled along SH7. Don’t leave valuables in your car and leave vehicles at your own risk.

NZTopo50 map sheets: BT23, BU23

Check the Devilskin Saddle weather forecast – NIWA website.

Muddy track

The Nina Valley Track to Nina Hut can become extremely muddy, especially after heavy rain. Expect times to take longer than listed after periods of rain.

Stay safe when crossing rivers

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

How to cross rivers safely

Wasps

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.