Bottom Gordon Hut

This route is unmarked and is suitable for trampers with a high degree of off-track experience and fitness who should allow at least 4-5 days and, if possible, 1-2 extra days to complete the trip. It starts at Bottom Gordon Hut in the Leatham Conservation Area, and travels via Severn and Saxton Huts in the Molesworth Recreation Reserve, around to Top Gordon Hut and back to Bottom Gordon Hut.

Bottom Gordon Hut to Top Leatham Hut

Time: 4 hours

7.4 km There is an obvious old bull dozer track that starts at Bottom Gordon Hut on the true left of the river. For the first 4 km, the track crosses to both sides of well terraced extensive river flats. Orange track markers are visible up the river. There are occasional greywacke slips to cross, but the old bull dozer track is easily followed and mostly close to the river. The track drops down to a tributary creek on the true left bank at approximately the 4 km mark, an orange triangular track marker is visible straight opposite on the true right bank. Cross the river and follow the track through the pines; after 1 km enter the beech forest onto an undulating tramping track. After another kilometre cross the main river and continue on the true left side and arrive at Top Leatham Hut.

Top Gordon Hut to Bottom Gordon Hut

Time: 3 hours

5.5 km Leave the hut and cross Gordon Stream, follow the sign and the marked track on the true left. Follow the track through beech forest for approximately 1 km where the track meets Gordon Stream, the track is in the stream bed for a short time. Watch for the big orange marker on the true left, follow the track that climbs up into the beech and then undulates along a well formed track for 1.5 km to extensive river flats. Continue on the marked track through manuka and beech forest. After 1 km the track crosses to the true right and meanders comfortably along for another 1 km to another crossing. The track continues on the true left for the final section along some flats and across a swing bridge back to Bottom Gordon Hut.