Kaituna Valley Packhorse Hut Track

This track is part of the Te Ara Pātaka/Summit Walkway.

This well signposted track passes through a farm, following vehicle tracks up a native bush-filled valley. The track goes through pasture and then forest, crossing the valley stream several times. In the summer you can use stepping stones to cross, but be prepared to get wet feet if the stream is up after rain.

The track eventually climbs steeply onto a big spur. From here you can see over Kaitorete Spit and Lake Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere. You can also see along the coast towards Ashburton. The track then follows the open spur before reaching a farm track through the Parkinsons Bush Reserve. This reserve is a small but important stand of native forest.

The track then leads to the saddle and the historic stone Packhorse Hut, well situated for the views. Packhorse Hut makes a great place for a sheltered lunch stop if completing this walk in a day or a night stay for families or those travelling the Te Ara Pātaka track.

Packhorse Hut

Mountain biking

Mountain biking is not allowed on this section of Te Ara Pātaka/Summit Walkway.

Bookings

Bookings are required to stay at the Packhorse Hut.

Book Packhorse hut online

From Christchurch, take SH75 to Kaituna Valley Road. Turn left into Parkinsons Road after 6 km. Park near the road end where the track starts. This offers much more secure parking than Gebbies Pass.

Weather

Kaituna Valley can get very wet and windy in southerly weather.

The valley gets hot in summer. Bring lots of water and sun protection.

Farm animals

This track goes through an active farm. There may be sheep and cattle in the area of the track and hut. Do not touch the animals including lambs and calves, and give all animals plenty of space.

Stream crossings

The stream is normally shallow but can flood in heavy rain. The stream crossings do not have bridges and may be unsafe to cross in severe weather.

Wasps

You may encounter wasps in the autumn and summer months (September to March). Take care and carry antihistamines / epi pen if allergic to wasps.

Take care near stinging nettle

Urtica ferox (ongaonga) is an endemic stinging nettle and common in this area. Take care not to touch these plants as they have a very strong sting. Ongaonga are an important host plant of Vanessa gonerilla (kahukura), the endemic red admiral butterfly.