This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.

Te Araroa trail has a detailed route description: Canterbury | Te Araroa

Note: some maps may still have an old stock bridge marked on the map in this section of the track. That bridge has been removed.

This is a challenging track

Take care crossing rivers

Bush Stream can be a difficult stream to cross and should not be attempted if in flood or heavy rain is forecast. It can also rise during spring snow melt. There are also many other unbridged stream and river crossings on this route.

Always assess the stream/river carefully before crossing and if in doubt, stay out. Make sure you have river crossing skills and know the signs of an unsafe river. Carry an emergency shelter and spare food in case of delays.

Take great care around Sawtooth Bluff, as Bush Stream here is narrow, steep and deep, even in normal flow.

Advanced backcountry skills and experience needed

The section of track between Bush Stream and Coal River is mostly unformed and requires backcountry experience, river crossing and navigational skills. Follow the markers/poles and carry emergency equipment.

Walking times

Bush Stream car park to Crooked Spur Hut 

Time: 4 hr

Crooked Spur Hut to Stone Hut

Time: 5 hr

Stone Hut is subject to a high level of avalanche risk. The current hut is the second to be built on this site as the first was destroyed by an avalanche. We recommend you don't use this hut during winter and spring when there is more than 50 cm of snow on the slope behind the hut. Alternative accommodation is at Royal Hut.

Stone Hut to Royal Hut

Time: 2 hr

Royal Hut to Stag Saddle

Time: 3–4 hr

Stag Saddle is a remote alpine pass and should not be attempted in bad weather.

Stag Saddle to Camp Stream Hut

Time: 4 hr

There are two possible routes between Stag Saddle and Camp Stream Hut. There is a poled route in the valley floor, which is recommended in bad weather and poor visibility. There is also an informal ridgeline route, which is suitable for good weather, and offers spectacular views over the lake.

Camp Stream Hut to skifield road car park 

Time: 3-4 hr shared use track with walkers and mountain bikers

This is a remote area with alpine terrain and unbridged stream crossings

This route requires backcountry experience, river crossing and navigational skills. It is best walked in good weather when no rain is forecast.

Stag Saddle is a remote alpine pass and also should not be attempted in bad weather. Bush Stream can be a difficult stream to cross and should not be attempted if in flood or heavy rain is forecast.

Find a gear list here and carry emergency equipment.

Fire restrictions

Fire restrictions apply to all conservation land. Check with local information centres or DOC offices for the current fire status.

View information about DOC and fire management.

River crossings

• Always treat the rivers with respect
• Never cross a dirty or flooded river
• River currents are often stronger than they appear
• Water levels can rise rapidly due to rain in the headwaters; it does not need to be raining at the crossing place
• River braids can shift and there may be soft sinking sand
• If in doubt, stay put until conditions improve or turn back. Carry an emergency shelter and spare food, in case of delays.

Be avalanche aware

Be aware of avalanche run-out zones from June to November. We recommend carrying avalanche transceivers 457khz, probes and shovels in avalanche terrain.

Avoid using Stone Hut if avalanche risk is high.

Communication

Cell phone coverage is patchy and cannot be relied on in the park. The use of satellite phones, mountain radios or personal locator beacons can all provide increased personal safety.

Weather forecast

Stag Saddle weather forecast

Camp Stream Hut

Camp Stream Hut is owned and managed by Mackenzie Alpine Trust - Lake Tekapo. A recommended donation of $10 can be left at the hut.