Erewhon Hut Day Hike

Erewhon Hut

Day Hike to Erewhon Hut – Hakatere Conservation Park

The Hakatere Conservation Park is full of hidden gems, and one of the lesser-known day hikes takes you up to Erewhon Hut. Tucked away in the upper reaches of the Rangitata area, this short but rewarding walk gives you a taste of Canterbury high country history, sweeping views, and a glimpse into a unique chapter of New Zealand skiing.

Getting Started

The track begins with an easement across Mt Potts Station before joining Department of Conservation land. From the start, you’re walking in true backcountry landscapes, with wide open tussock country framed by the imposing bulk of Mt Potts.

The entire route follows an old 4WD road, once the access track to the historic Erewhon Ski Field. While the road is straightforward to follow, it steadily climbs, giving your legs a bit of a workout as you ascend into alpine country.

A Glimpse of History – Erewhon Ski Field

The Erewhon Ski Field was one of the early club ski fields in Canterbury, operating from the 1960s through to the 1980s. Unlike today’s commercial fields, it was a rustic, volunteer-driven setup with rope tows powered by old engines and a reputation for raw, adventurous skiing. The location meant deep snow and incredible terrain, but its remoteness and challenging access eventually saw it close. Traces of the old field still remain, and passing through, you can easily imagine what it must have been like to ski in such a wild spot.

Reaching Erewhon Hut

After passing the ski field, the track continues climbing towards Erewhon Hut. The hut itself is private and kept locked, but there is a long drop available for trampers passing through. Even without hut access, the surrounding landscape makes the effort worthwhile – open ridgelines, vast skies, and the sense of being on the edge of something much bigger.

The return trip takes around three hours, making it a manageable but rewarding day hike. If you’re feeling energetic and conditions are good, you can extend the adventure by climbing Mt Potts from near the hut, where the views stretch across the Rangitata and back towards the Southern Alps.

Why Go?

The Erewhon Hut track offers a blend of history, high country scenery, and the chance to stand in the footsteps of past adventurers. Whether you stop at the hut or push on to the summit of Mt Potts, it’s a hike that captures the essence of Canterbury’s wild backcountry.

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