Nina Valley Track to Nina Hut

The track into Nina Hut is well marked with a number of further hiking routes branch off from the main valley route along the way up. The track begins north of Palmer Lodge marked by a small DOC sign. The route is not a smooth graded walking track, but rather a rough hiking track with many tree routes, stream crossings and mud puddles to negotiate along the way. An intentions book is situated after the first swing bridge that you cross to give you an idea before you head in if there will be room at the hut before you get there. 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 the 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.

This track leads to Nina Hut. Further up the valley following the Nina Valley Track to Upper Nina Bivvy is the Upper Nina Bivvy , or you can turn off off on Devilskin Saddle Route to Devils Den Bivvy. These routes are suitable for experienced trampers.

Just over 2 hours from Christchurch, and about 3 hours drive from Nelson, head towards Lewis Pass. The track begins 10km south of Lewis Pass. There is a carpark just across from the New Zealand Deer Stalkers Association’s Palmer Lodge . Many people choose to park under the trees in this area to keep their vehicles out of sight from passing cars. We recommend taking any valuables with you and storing other items out of sight in your vehicle, as car break-ins are known to happen around Lewis Pass. Use this location in Google Maps to help you 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