Saddle Hut

Combine these tracks to make a good weekend round trip via Mt Richmond Saddle Hut. Note, the road ends at Timms Creek and Jacksons Road are 17 km apart.

Mt Fell Hut to Richmond Saddle Hut

Time: 3–4 hr

5.2 km From Mt Fell Hut a poled route traverses tussock tops and rock along the Richmond Range. Walk 10 minutes up towards the ridge. Follow the poles along the ridge to a sidle under Johnstons Peak and through Devils Armchair to Mt Richmond (1760 m). There are guaranteed amazing views on a fine day. Parts of the climb to Mt Richmond will be rocky and steep as with the descent of 560 m from the summit to Richmond Saddle Hut.

Top Valley Road to Richmond Saddle Hut

Time: 6 hr

10.5 km Just before Jubilee Flat on Top Valley Road is Jackson Creek Road. Jackson Creek Road crosses Top Valley Stream and climbs for 2 hours (4 km) to a prominent ridge. A marked route leads up this ridge to Richmond Saddle Hut, one hour below the summit of Mt Richmond. It's possible to climb to Mt Richmond (1760 m) in a day but a good level of fitness is essential.

Blowfly Hut to Māori Saddle Hut

Time: 4 hr 30 min

The track to Māori Saddle winds its way steadily uphill through mixed beech, rimu and kāmahi forest, typical of southern Westland. Along the way, you'll pass some good examples of stone culverts built by the mica miners. There's also a historic miner’s campsite near the helipad, 5 minutes before the Mica Mine Tops Route junction. Continuing towards Māori Saddle, sections of the track are quite rough – in heavy rain, access becomes more difficult due to the numerous stream crossings. Crossings are marked, but the rocks are very slippery, so take care. There are some diversions where slips have destroyed the original track, however, these are well marked and should not be difficult to follow. There are some very large specimens of beech trees along this section. There are also some relics of the historic ‘telegraph line’ that ran beside the track. There is a known active slip about 2 hours after Blowfly Hut, at Thompson Creek (N1301968, E5142768). This creates steep access into a fast-flowing river, so needs extreme caution to cross safely and can become impassible during heavy rain.

Cass car park to Cass Saddle Hut

Time: 4 hours one way

From the signposted car park at the east end of the Cass River road bridge, follow the vehicle track next to the row of pine trees until it meets Cass River. Follow the riverbed upstream, keeping to the true right bank as much as possible. You will need to cross the river several times. The track climbs into the forest at a marked point just below the junction with Long Valley Stream; it is easy to miss if you are on the wrong side of Cass River so stay on the true right. The river is crossed again via a bridge, then the track climbs for another 20–30 minutes before crossing the river again. Cass Saddle Hut is reached soon after you have crossed to the true right bank. It has three bunks and a wood burning stove. Water can be obtained from a small stream just to the south-east of the hut.

Cass Saddle Hut to Hamilton Hut

Time: 2 hours 30 minutes one way

The tussock basin above Cass Saddle Hut is reached shortly after leaving the hut, and the poled route climbs gradually to the saddle. Hamilton Hut can be seen in the distance down the valley. Traverse left for 200 metres to the start of the cut track. This is an area of high avalanche risk. Avalanches frequently cross the entire Cass Saddle area in winter. During heavy snow conditions, we advise visitors not to travel this route. The track drops steeply from the saddle, and then more gently through the bush terraces, joining Hamilton Creek 15 minutes from Hamilton Hut. The 20 bunk hut has a wood burning stove and a radio linked to Arthur's Pass Visitor Centre. Calls can be made during office hours to obtain weather forecasts.

Hamilton Hut to West Harper Hut

Time: 2 hours 30 minutes one way

From Hamilton Hut to Bealey Hut, you are in simple avalanche terrain. Even though the track is in the forest, avalanches can reach the track from the mountains above. The greatest risk in this section is from Harper River to Lagoon Saddle Hut, as avalanches can travel from the Mt Bruce ridges to the track. Read more about avalanche risk in the Know Before You Go section or on this webpage . The route crosses Hamilton Creek at the footbridge 10 minutes downstream from Hamilton Hut and leads to a swing bridge across Harper River, a short distance above its confluence with Hamilton Creek. After crossing the swing bridge, the route continues upstream on the true right of the river to West Harper Hut. In fine weather and suitable conditions, the riverbed offers an easy alternative with several fine swimming holes along the way. West Harper Hut (a hut built in the 1950s) has five canvas bunks, a fireplace and a dirt floor.

West Harper Hut to Lagoon Saddle Hut

Time: 2–3 hours one way

From West Harper Hut the track bypasses a small gorge to reach river flats which are then followed to the confluence of Long Creek and Harper River. Follow the markers up the Harper riverbed for approximately 500 metres and then a formed track on the true left climbs steadily to Lagoon Saddle Shelter. Lagoon Saddle Hut is located just across the river and has two bunks and mattresses.

Lagoon Saddle Hut to Bealey Hut and SH73

Time: 2–3 hours one way

From Lagoon Saddle Hut the track gradually climbs through patches of beech forest above the tarns on Lagoon Saddle. It is marked by poles and markers. Once on the northern face of Mount Bruce, the track descends through tussock and gives views of the snow-capped peaks of Arthur’s Pass National Park and the braided Waimakariri River. The track descends through beech and exotic forest to Bealey Hut (six bunks). A further 5 minute walk from the hut takes you to the car park by Cora Lynn Station, and another 2 minutes to SH73. If you are walking this route in reverse, take the Cora Lynn Road to the Arthur's Pass Wilderness Lodge and Cora Lynn Station and enter through the gate signposted ‘Cass – Lagoon Track’. Note that times may be longer on the uphill sections of the track when walking in this direction.