Packhorse Hut
Located in Banks Peninsula area and Christchurch area in the Canterbury region, New Zealand.
In my humble opinion, Packhorse hut offers some of the best Bank Peninsular views… This is such a good day walk for kids, although at just over 11km it is a reasonably long one. The track rolls up, down and around the valleys without encountering anything too steep or gnarly for little legs. Also, it's interesting and varied enough that the kids don't get bored and whiney! The only caution I would point out is that the last section before you reach the hut is a fairly narrow path along a steep hill edge. You would want your kids to be confident walkers for that section and or tethered to you. Once you do get to the hut there's heaps of room around the hut to eat, play and/or rest! We're hoping to book in to stay at the hut once the weather warms back up again!
Banks Peninsula Area
Further Information
Packhorse Hut, Ataahua
Track Access / Information
This track can get very busy at different times of the year with joggers/runners as well as mountain bikers. Seasonal restrictions Packhorse Hut via Gebbies Pass road is on Te Ara Pātaka. This section of the track is closed for lambing from 8 August – 15 October each year. However year-round access to the hut is possible via Kaituna Valley. This is an extremely popular track and hut bookings can easily be booked out 6months+ in advance.
Weather / What to wear?
As with any outdoor activities in New Zealand, the elements are always unpredictable and ever-changing. Long parts of the Packhorse Hut hike are out in very exposed areas of Banks Peninsular although this can mean beautiful hot Canterbury sunny days, this can also expose you right to the vicious elements it has to offer winds/rain. We recommend you use check-in with appropriate weather forecast service before you set off, but always have wind/waterproof jackets and hats on hand, in case of any circumstance changes.
Facilites
Situated on a low open saddle on the ridge between Mt Bradley and the Remarkable Dykes, the Packhorse stone hut can be seen against the skyline from many parts of the reserve and the Lyttelton Harbour basin. You will the following facilities on arriving at Packhorse Hut - Porch, Lounge with a stove (firewood supplied), Sleeping x9 Bunk Beds (Bookings essential), Tank water (which should be treated or boiled before drinking), Sealed vault toilet (nearby).
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Child friendly hike
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Department of Conservation (DOC)
For full Packhorse Hut information please use the click-through provided
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Entering the elements
Choosing the right gear/food options can be daunting, here's how to keep the whole family safe, feed, warm and happy
Directions
Google map track infomation
There is plenty of off-street parking on Gebbies Pass Road right at the entrance to Packhorse Hut walkway.
So how did the children find it?
A message from Alba and Maya
Alba says: It was really fun and cool. We walked through forests. And we saw lots of cow pats. We got to a hut where people stayed and had a look inside. There were bunk beds but we didn’t stay there. I would like to stay there next time.
Maya says: I liked the hut. The roof and the windows (to be specific). I got a piggy back sometimes.
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0% = Bad/Low | 100% = Great/High
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