Nina valley tracks and routes
Located in Lake Sumner Forest Park in the Canterbury region
Introduction
Explore the Nina Valley on these tracks - the track to Nina Hut is suitable for families with children who have some tramping experience and new trampers.Walking and tramping
Advanced: Tramping trackExpert: Route
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 swingbridge Image: Jonathon Moake ©
![Nina swingbridge.]( "Nina swingbridge.")
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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.")
Nina Valley Track
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.
SH7 to Nina swingbridge
Time: 1 hr
Cross the Lewis River via the swingbridge 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 swingbridge crosses it.
Nina swingbridge 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.
Lucretia Hut Route
Nina swingbridge to Lucretia Hut
Time: 3 hr
From the Nina swingbridge (do not cross) continue up true left of the Nina River until you reach Lucretia Stream. Climb over a small gorge before descending to cross the stream. Continue up the true right to reach the hut situated on a tussock flat.
Devilskin Saddle Route
This route links the Nina and Doubtful valleys via Devilskin Saddle. It can be walked in either direction, but it is recommended you walk it from the Nina valley. This trip is suitable for experienced trampers and combines mountain-beech forest, river flats and an alpine saddle crossing.
Nina Hut to Devils Den Biv
Time: 2 hr
The track from the hut sidles through beech forest high above the Nina River. This section is a little harder to follow, but is reasonably well marked. Gradually gain altitude to reach Blind Stream after about an hour. The track climbs above the true right of the stream and very steeply up a spur. Use tree roots for hand and foot holds to avoid a hidden waterfall. Then track then levels out and reaches the old hut site at the tree line. This area is suitable for camping in summer but is avalanche prone in winter and spring.
From here the route continues up the true right of the stream through waist-high red tussock. This section has risk of avalanches in winter and spring. Follow marker poles as the route sidles away from the stream and climbs for about 30 minutes to reach Devilskin Saddle where there are good views down both valleys. The new Devils Den Biv is a further 100 m along the saddle. Note: This area is not suitable for camping. Trampers will need to return to the old hut site if they need to camp.
Devils Den Biv to Doubtful Hut
Time: 3 hr 30 min
From the hut, follow marker poles down to Devilskin Stream where a track is picked up at the bushline. This track sidles along high on the true left above the stream, through silver beech forest. It eventually descends steeply to the confluence of Devilskin Stream and Doubtful River.
Doubtful River must be crossed here. This crossing could be dangerous during or after heavy rain. Doubtful Hut is situated just downstream on a river terrace. From Doubtful Hut it is a 2 hour walk to cross the Boyle River to reach SH7.
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
- Take the right gear for your trip: Walking and tramping gear lists.
- Tell a trusted person your plans and when to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned. Send them the information directly, or use the Outdoor Intentions form or Plan My Walk.
- Follow the five essential steps of the Land Safety Code.
Contacts
| Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 3 318 9211 |
| Email: | arthurspassvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
104 West Coast Road Arthur's Pass |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 51008 Arthur's Pass 7654 |
| Full office details | |
