Last Updated: 30th Mar 2024
Pinchgut Hut
Submitted by Isobel Stout
Last Updated: 30th Mar 2024
Grunt Factor: 15 ?
Gnarl Factor: 39 ?
12.0km
220m
220m
427m
Last Updated: 30th Mar 2024
Submitted by Isobel Stout
Last Updated: 30th Mar 2024
Grunt Factor: 15 ?
Gnarl Factor: 39 ?
12.0km
220m
220m
427m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Undulating, small hills only
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +10.1%
Average Downhill Gradient: -10.1%
Login as a VIP to see the trailhead information.
3:30
Slow
2:45
Moderate
2:00
Fast
From the trailhead it's a few meters down the river bank and you have to cross the Okuku RIver. From the other side pick up the orange triangles and/or poles that mark the entire way. The trail starts pretty gently and is a great warmup, even a brief bit of old 4wd road but gradually gets more technical and undulating until you pop out on the river bed and it's boulders baby!
Spot the big orange triangle up river and head for it anyway you like. You can stay dry by boulder-hopping or hugging the left bank but that has the added sensational delight of gorse. Once back on the track proper it switchbacks steeply away from the river and over the ridge to the Pinchgut Creek and down to the Pinchgut Hut.
Return by retracing your steps and spotting the big orange triangle downriver before heading into the boulders.
Birds, waterfalls, native bush.
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
Car pooling is ideal as there isn't a lot of room to park at the end, 5-6 vehicles is probably the maximum.
27 km
28 minutes
Yes
No
Moderate.
The track is well marked with orange triangles, you should always be able to see the next one whilst beside one.
Non-existent.
Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries
The Okuku River and Pinchgut Creek plus side streams mean you only need to carry a bottle or cup.
The foothills throughout Canterbury can be plagued with wasps in summer. The DOC website has some advice about these invaders and how to reduce the likelihood of getting stung.
Don't take the Okuku River crossing lightly at any time of year, even low flows are knee to thigh high. If there is rain forecast or it's already raining it's best not to start in case you can't cross back. Clearly don't attempt to cross in flood or if you can't see the bottom.
Oxford Dairy
Oxford Main Rd
monster icecreams
Coffee Culture
93 Victoria St, Rangiora
https://coffeeculture.co.nz/stores/rangiora/
loads of calorific, caffeinated goodies
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Pinchgut Hut
As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.
Already have an account? Login now
An enjoyable revisit of this trail that has a bit of everything. Some diversions up and around new slips that could get pretty slick in heavy rain, but it's still very runable and fun. The Okuku river crossing first up, and to finish is still a highlight!
Just don't bring blue crossing shoes. The local bees made it impossible to put them back on.
October 15, 2022
Great track, but has been extensively damaged from flooding earlier. There is now sections that you must scramble up/slip down. The track has been washed away in a few areas & these areas have been recut in with some steep sharp & slippery bits. These sections are dodgy so definitely not recommended for kids at the moment. Beautiful views of the river. I’ll definitely do it again :)
October 25, 2021
AR
Strikes me as a perfect little training route with a touch of everything in easy reach including full on boulder hopping up river if that's your thing! It would also be a great introduction to tramping for kids.
July 7, 2020
Send to your phone
Scan the below QR code to open this trail on your phone.
Tip: position the QR code in your phone camera screen.
