11 October 2026
Fine, but the chance of an afternoon shower. Northeasterlies dying out in the afternoon.
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1 / 46Banks Peninsula area
Kaituna Valley Packhorse Hut Track
The walk to Packhorse Hut can be enjoyed as a half day walk but is also a great overnight tramp for families with children and new trampers.
Distance
4 km
Walking time
1 hr 20 min
Difficulty
Intermediate
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Christchurch forecast
Issued 11 Oct 2026, 4:35 pm
12 October 2026
Fine, but some morning low cloud or fog. Light winds, then northeasterlies developing in the afternoon.
13 October 2026
Fine, then a few showers at night. Northwesterlies, turning northeasterly in the evening.
14 October 2026
Showers developing in the morning. Northeasterlies, dying out in the evening.
15 October 2026
Showers developing in the morning, with snow to 800 metres. Southwesterlies developing in the morning.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Kaituna Valley Packhorse Hut Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Kaituna Valley Packhorse Hut Track
Time required : 1 hr 20 min each way This track is part of the Te Ara Pātaka /Summit Walkway . This well signposted track passes through a farm, following vehicle tracks up a native bush-filled valley. The track goes through pasture and then forest, crossing the valley stream several times. In the summer you can use stepping stones to cross, but be prepared to get wet feet if the stream is up after rain. The track eventually climbs steeply onto a big spur. From here you can see over Kaitorete Spit and Lake Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere. You can also see along the coast towards Ashburton. The track then follows the open spur before reaching a farm track through the Parkinsons Bush Reserve. This reserve is a small but important stand of native forest. The track then leads to the saddle and the historic stone Packhorse Hut, well situated for the views. Packhorse Hut makes a great place for a sheltered lunch stop if completing this walk in a day or a night stay for families or those travelling the Te Ara Pātaka track.
Essential information for Kaituna Valley Packhorse Hut Track
Stinging plants – There are onga onga / native stinging nettle plants in the reserve. These are trimmed back from the track. The nettles are food for native red admiral butterflies, however they do have a very strong sting. The stream is normally shallow but can flood in heavy rain.
Huts and campsites
Packhorse Hut (opens in browser)
Getting there for Kaituna Valley Packhorse Hut Track
From Christchurch, take SH75 to Kaituna Valley Road. Turn left into Parkinsons Road after 6 km. Park near the road end where the track starts. This offers much more secure parking than Gebbies Pass. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there.
Helpful resources
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 .
Dog access for Kaituna Valley Packhorse Hut Track
No dogs.
Before you walk Kaituna Valley Packhorse Hut Track
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.