Devilskin Saddle Route
Located in Lake Sumner Forest Park in the Canterbury region
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Introduction
This route links the Nina and Doubtful valleys via Devilskin Saddle. This trip is suitable for experienced trampers and combines mountain-beech forest, river flats and an alpine saddle crossing.9 km one way
Dog access
It can be walked in either direction, but it is recommended you walk it from the Nina valley.
Nina Hut to Devils Den Biv
Time: 2 hr
The track from the hut sidles through beech forest high above the Nina River. This section is a little harder to follow, but is reasonably well marked. Gradually gain altitude to reach Blind Stream after about an hour. The track climbs above the true right of the stream and very steeply up a spur. Use tree roots for hand and foot holds to avoid a hidden waterfall. Then track then levels out and reaches the old hut site at the tree line. This area is suitable for camping in summer but is avalanche prone in winter and spring.
From here the route continues up the true right of the stream through waist-high red tussock. This section has risk of avalanches in winter and spring. Follow marker poles as the route sidles away from the stream and climbs for about 30 minutes to reach Devilskin Saddle where there are good views down both valleys. The Devils Den Biv is a further 100 m along the saddle.
Note: This area is not suitable for camping. Trampers will need to return to the old hut site if they need to camp.
Devils Den Biv to Doubtful Hut
Time: 4 hr
From the hut, follow marker poles down to Devilskin Stream where a track is picked up at the bushline. This track sidles along high on the true left above the stream, through silver beech forest. It eventually descends steeply to the confluence of Devilskin Stream and Doubtful River.
Doubtful River must be crossed here. This crossing could be dangerous during or after heavy rain. Doubtful Hut is situated just downstream on a river terrace. From Doubtful Hut it is a 2 hour walk to cross the Boyle River to reach SH7.
Doubtful Valley Track branches from Doubtful Hut. The track follows Doubtful River to Amuri Pass
From the Nina Valley end, access is off SH7, around 50 km after the turnoff to Hanmer Springs and 10 km from Lewis Pass.
There is a carpark just opposite Palmer Lodge (private lodge). A swingbridge over the Lewis River gives access to the Nina Valley.
NZTopo50 map sheets: BT23, BU23
Wasp populations reach high numbers from January to April – cover food and keep lids on sweet drinks, wear light-coloured clothing and carry antihistamine cream/tablets as a precaution.
Check the Devilskin Saddle weather forecast – NIWA website.
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 | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +64 3 318 9211 |
| arthurspassvc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | 104 West Coast Road Arthur's Pass 7654 |
| Hours | Visitor centre hours and services |