2,3 July 2025
Looking for an easy hike that still delivers incredible mountain views?
Woolshed Creek is one of those places I’d love more people to know about. Just an hour and a half from Christchurch, it offers a peaceful walk. A beautiful hut nestled among the hills.
If you’re lucky enough to spend the night there, surrounded by mountains, you’re in for a truly special time. I visited recently with some friends, and the whole experience, hiking, stargazing, snowball fights, was one I’ll never forget. Here’s what it was like.
The Walk
Drive west from Christchurch for about 90 minutes, and you’ll reach a spacious car park at the trailhead. The walk to the hut is a loop track, and you can go either way.
One route is steep and more demanding, while the other is a gentle climb that’s beginner-friendly and offers great views of glacially formed terrain. We took the easier path on the way up and saved the steeper one for the return.
Scattered along the trail are remnants of old mining operations, rusty tracks, carts, and tunnels, which give the walk a unique flavour. Combined with the dramatic landscape, the hike is anything but boring. There’s a quiet joy in each step.
The Hut
The hut is tucked away in a small alpine basin, surrounded by rugged hills with a stream running right next to it. It honestly feels like something out of a postcard.
Inside, it’s clean and well kept. There’s no electricity, but there are plenty of mattresses, and with a sleeping bag, you’ll sleep comfortably. A wood-burning stove keeps the hut warm, making it a cosy spot to relax after the walk.
Summer Swim Spot
Just a 10-minute walk from the hut is a crystal-clear river where you can go for a swim. It’s the perfect way to cool off after a hike, although the water is freezing cold even in summer. Still, on a sunny day, it’s totally worth it.
Stargazing at Night
On clear nights, the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye. With no light pollution and surrounded by mountains, the stars feel closer than ever. It’s one of the most stunning night skies I’ve seen.
The Way Back
We chose the steeper track on the way down, and it was quite tough, especially with snow on the trail. Some sections were frozen and extremely slippery, so we had to take it slow and be careful.
Still, there were some great sights along the way, including a small waterfall and a mysterious “Bus Stop” sign stuck into the rock! It felt bizarre but also quite funny, totally worth stopping for a photo.
Final Thoughts
All in all, it was a fantastic experience. From the hike and the hut, to the snowfall, the starry sky, and even a snowball fight outside the hut. It all came together as a truly memorable adventure.
If you’re staying in New Zealand for a while, I’d strongly recommend adding Woolshed Creek to your list. Go with some friends and soak it all in.
——————————————————-
Duration: 5 hours to 2 days (if staying overnight)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (return leg can be steep and slippery)
Access: 1.5-hour drive from Christchurch
