Saxton 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.

Severn Hut to Saxton Hut

Time: 8-9 hours

km East of the hut take the spur on the true right of the creek to the high point marked 1764 m (1604617E–5342762N). It is a steep climb of about 2 hr 30 min. Once on top, head down the scree to the main unnamed stream (locally know as Boundary Stream). Follow the stream down to the confluence where it meets the Saxton River, this takes approximately 6 hours. The Saxton Hut is situated on a river terrace at this confluence on the true right of the Saxton River.

Saxton Hut to Top Gordon Hut

Time: 7-9 hours

18.5 km A section of this track has been impacted by a slip. There is no obvious `bench’ track across the scree section. The track is passable but visitors should use caution when traversing. Access to the Saxton River Catchment has been negotiated between DOC, Landcorp and Muller Station. A permit is required from DOC for all access above the Saxton Hut from 1 January to30 April each year. A condition of this access is that visitors only travel upstream to avoid moving stock out of the valley. From the Saxton Hut head up the Saxton River. At times you will have to ford the river and negotiate a small gorge. At the 5 km mark you will pass the Team Hut, not for public accommodation. This hut is used by Molesworth and Muller staff and is situated on the true right. From here, the route is easy travelling along the Saxton River, using the stock trails. There are occasional briar plants and slips or tributary creeks (Oyster Creek) to negotiate, but the degree of difficulty is minimal. After about 4–5 hrs the foot of the Saxton Saddle is reached - a rounded hill compared to the surrounding country. At 1617060E–5355247N head up the hill to Saxton Saddle, an approximately 1 hour climb. There is a DOC sign at the top of the saddle but no track markers. Sidle down Gordon Stream on the true left following the stream for approximately 30 minutes. There are track markers on the true left of Gordon Stream, follow these down into the beech forest; the route to the hut is well marked and signposted. Top Gordon Hut is located on a sunny terrace on the true right of Gordon Stream.