Rod Donald Hut to Hilltop Hotel
Located in Banks Peninsula area in the Canterbury region
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Introduction
Walk or mountain bike the track from Rod Donald Hut to Hilltop Hotel. Walkers will pass through Montgomery Park Scenic Reserve.This track is part of the Te Ara Pātaka/Summit Walkway.
From Rod Donald Hut, climb back up the access track to reach Waipuna Saddle. Then head east following the marked farm track through the tōtara graveyard, pasture and several DOC reserves.
Mountain bikers leave the main track briefly to by pass the narrow rocky track through Mount Fitzgerald, and take an easier farm track.
Soon after the Whatarangi Totara Scenic Reserve, the track diverges again. Walkers should head up to Montgomery Park Scenic Reserve and walk directly to Hilltop Tavern. The reserve track is steep and rocky, so take care and enjoy the beautiful forest including a giant tōtara, thought to be up to 2,000 years old.
The track emerges from the reserve onto Summit Road. Keep children close and take extreme care to look and listen for vehicles as you cross the road.
Mountain bikes are not permitted in Montgomery Park Scenic Reserve, so follow the farm track to Pettigrews Road; turn right at the end to reach the Summit Road, and right again to ride along the Summit Road.
The track starts from the track to Rod Donald Hut. It ends at Summit Road, Walk along the other side of the road for about 100 m, then go over the stile to walk across the paddock to Hilltop Tavern.
The track is suitable for people with moderate backcountry skills and experience. It's rough and steep in places.
The track is exposed to all weathers. It can be windy, cold and prone to low cloud in poor weather.
The track crosses private farmland - respect this and keep to the track.
Stay safe in the outdoors
- Choose the right trip for you. Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it.
- Understand the weather. Check weather forecasts.
- Pack warm clothes and extra food. Check gear lists.
- Share your plans and take ways to get help. Share directly or use the Outdoor Intentions form or Plan My Walk. Take a distress beacon.
- Take care of yourself and each other.
Contacts
| Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre | |
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| Phone | +64 3 318 9211 |
| arthurspassvc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | 104 West Coast Road Arthur's Pass 7654 |
| Hours | Visitor centre hours and services |