Scotts Saddle Track
Alerts
Avalanche NZ
Check Avalanche NZ for the full avalanche forecast before you go.
Sorry, we can't show Avalanche NZ forecasts or alerts on this site. Avalanche NZ doesn't permit it.
Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.
Starting in Mt Hutt Forest and ending at Mount Hutt Skifield Road, Scotts Saddle Track offers beautiful views over mid-Canterbury.
Elevation
Cover mapped summer 2023/24.
Description
This track starts from the car park in Awa Awa Rata Reserve and climbs steeply to a ridge top. It passes through beech/tawhairauriki forest before climbing to alpine herb and tussock/wï communities. The track then joins the Mount Hutt Skifield access road at Scotts Saddle.
On a clear day there are good views from Scotts Saddle to Pudding Hill Stream, Mount Hutt ski field, Canterbury plains and the Port Hills above Christchurch.
Getting there
Awa Awa Rata Reserve is at the end of McLennans Bush Road, which is off Arundel Rakaia Gorge Road and is 12.5 km from Methven.
The track can also be accessed from Mount Hutt Skifield access road. During summer, there is a locked gate at Scotts Saddle; you will need to walk from here.
Weather
Forecast at the start of the track