Devilskin Saddle Route

It can be walked in either direction, but it is recommended you walk it from the Nina valley using the Nina Valley Track to Nina Hut. SH7 to Nina swing bridge Time: 1 hr Begin by crossing the Lewis River via the swing bridge, then follow the true right bank for a short distance before briefly climbing onto a terrace. From there, the track heads northwest, moving away from the river and winding through beech forest above the Nina River. After about an hour of walking, you'll reach the river. The track then continues along the true left side of the river until you arrive at the Nina swing bridge, which crosses the river. Nina swing bridge to Nina Hut Time: 2 hr After crossing the bridge, the track heads up the true right of the river, gradually climbing to reach Nina Hut . You’ll know that you’re getting close to the hut when you have to start climbing quite steadily. There are only about 60 metres of elevation gain between the forest floor and the small knoll that the hut sits on. Nina Hut to Devils Den Biv Time: 2 hr The track from the hut sidles through beech forest high above the Nina River. While slightly harder to follow, it is reasonably well-marked. Gradually gain altitude to reach Blind Stream after about an hour. From there, the track climbs steeply above the true right of the stream, ascending a spur. Tree roots provide hand and foot holds to navigate past a hidden waterfall. The track then levels out, reaching the old hut site at the tree line. This area is suitable for camping in summer but is avalanche-prone in winter and spring. Beyond the old hut site, the route continues up the true right of the stream through waist-high red tussock. This section also carries an avalanche risk in winter and spring. Follow the marker poles as the route sidles away from the stream, climbing steadily for about 30 minutes to reach Devilskin Saddle, which offers excellent views of both valleys. The Devils Den Biv is located 100 m further along the saddle. Note: Camping is not permitted at Devilskin Saddle. Trampers needing to camp must return to the old hut site. Devils Den Biv to Doubtful Hut Time: 4 hr From the hut, follow the marker poles down to Devilskin Stream, where a track begins at the bushline. The track sidles high on the true left above the stream, weaving through silver beech forest. It then descends steeply to the confluence of Devilskin Stream and Doubtful River. The Doubtful River must be crossed at this point, though it can become dangerous during or after heavy rain. Doubtful Hut is located just downstream on a river terrace. Doubtful Hut to Boyle Village Time: 2 hr From the hut follow the Doubtful Valley Track to the Tui Track - Te Araroa which takes you to Boyle Village, crossing the Boyle River on the way. It is a further 5.6km back to the Nina Valley Track entrance from here via the road - it may not be suitable for walking.

From the Nina Valley end, access is off SH7, around 50 km after the turnoff to Hanmer Springs and 10 km from Lewis Pass. There is a carpark just opposite Palmer Lodge (private lodge). A swingbridge over the Lewis River gives access to the Nina Valley. Use this link on Google Maps to help find your way there.

We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel

No dogs.