Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Benmore Hut to the bushline
Submitted by Fiona Stechmann
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 36
Gnarl Factor: 59
14.5km
830m
830m
1270m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Fiona Stechmann
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 36
Gnarl Factor: 59
14.5km
830m
830m
1270m
Back country - remote
Out and Back
Undulating, some big hills
Native bush
Open farmlands
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Technical Single Track
Untracked / Route only
Average Uphill Gradient: +11.7%
Average Downhill Gradient: -11.7%
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4:00
Slow
2:30
Moderate
1:45
Fast
From the car park head through the gate and follow the 4WD track for 2.5 km. At this point you head into the 13 Mile Bush hunting and recreation reserve, you cross the creek a number of times and start to climb up towards the hut.
At around 6km you will see the Orange Hut. The track up to the bush line heads directly up the spur to the right of the hut when looking at the door. The trail is officially unmarked but it is fairly easy to follow. When you reach the bushline take note of where you leave the bush as this could be hard to find when you want to re-enter. From this point there is the potential to climb Mt Benmore or head up along the tops and over Rabbit Hill and Trig M. Return the same way.
Nice little 3 bunk hut at about 6km
Fairly safe as it is on private land, good parking availability.
11 km
11 minutes
Unknown
No
Moderate.
Very patchy.
Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions).
Lots available up to the hut but none beyond this point
Snow possible in winter, the track has the potential to be very muddy and the creek may be hard to cross after heavy rain.
Multiple Creek crossings, steep slippery slopes, the tops are very exposed from all directions.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Benmore Hut to the bushline
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AR
What a cool track with plenty to keep you interested. Nothing too tricky but lots of ups and downs on the way to the hut. Definitely will be heading back to explore some more and go further up onto the tops. Thanks for adding this wonderful trail!
March 22, 2021
Nice - I followed Fiona's suggestion to head back via the tops/Rabbit Hill/Trig M - makes for a great (almost) circuit (dropped a bike by the road to cycle down the main highway back to the car).
February 4, 2020
I enjoyed this trail a lot, it is very accessible from Christchurch. In summer the track is dry and in good condition but in winter it would be quite muddy and slippery. There are half a dozen crossings of the stream but not that challenging.
February 1, 2020
TK
a fine short track to explore which I have had my eye on for a while did not know it was a track on here actually - first couple of KMs gets you nicely warmed up to the beech forest and lots of river crossings up through to the Hut, I would leave the rest to the curious amongst us, and I have added some pictures to claim my points... I took 3 hours, didn't stop my watch for my sit down and snacks at the top so would probably take about 2 for a run/walk - some steep sections can bit wet and slippy, Id imagine the bees and wasps would be rife in summer.
August 27, 2019
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