Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Benmore Hut to the bushline

Springfield, Canterbury

Submitted by Fiona Stechmann

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 36 ?

Gnarl Factor: 59 ?

14.5km

830m

830m

1270m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Back country - remote

Out and Back

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush

Open farmlands

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

40%
40%
20%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Technical Single Track

Untracked / Route only

Average Uphill Gradient: +11.7%

Average Downhill Gradient: -11.7%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

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

SF

Scott Ferguson

has completed Benmore Hut to the bushline once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

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!

Ashley Rees

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).

Mike Steel

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.

Ben Taylor

February 1, 2020

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.

Tara Keogh

August 27, 2019

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