3/7/25
Looking for an overnight hike with beautiful mountain views in New Zealand?
Woolshed Creek is one of those places I’d love more people to know about. Just an hour and a half’s drive from Christchurch, it offers a lovely walk through the mountains and a hut tucked away among the hills.
I went there with some friends, and it was my first time spending a night in a mountain hut. Between the hiking, stargazing, snowball fights and a rather slippery walk back, it turned into a trip I’ll never forget.
Here’s what it was like.
The Walk to Woolshed Creek Hut
Drive west from Christchurch for about 90 minutes, and you’ll reach the car park at the trailhead.
There are different routes to the hut, including the main track via the old Blackburn Mine and a more challenging circuit via the Bus Stop and South Face tracks.
We took the easier route 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.
How Difficult Is the Hike?
Personally, I didn’t find the hike particularly difficult. I’m fairly active and used to walking in the mountains, so the physical demands weren’t a problem for me.
That said, there are plenty of uphill sections, and in some places you have to take quite big steps over uneven ground.
If you’re reasonably fit and exercise regularly, you might not find it too challenging. But if you’re not used to hiking or haven’t been particularly active lately, it could be quite demanding.
I wouldn’t necessarily call it an easy hike for everyone.
DOC grades the main track as intermediate, while the alternative circuit via the Bus Stop and South Face tracks is advanced.
And as I found out on the way back, snow and ice can make things much more difficult!
Spending the Night at Woolshed Creek 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 are mattresses for sleeping and a wood-burning stove to keep the place warm.
And the best part?
We had the whole hut to ourselves!
There were no other groups staying that night, so it felt like our own little mountain hideaway.
It was cold, so we lit the wood-burning stove and warmed up the hut.
There was no electricity, which meant it was naturally quite dark inside. We used the torches on our phones whenever we needed some light.
We spent the evening chatting, eating snacks and playing cards.
It was lovely just sitting around with my friends, talking quietly and having a laugh.
Nothing particularly fancy, but I really enjoyed it.
Summer Swim Spot
Just a ten-minute walk from the hut is a beautiful spot by the water.
The water looked crystal clear, and I could imagine it being a lovely place to cool off on a warm summer day.
Mind you, mountain water can be freezing cold, even in summer!
DOC also mentions Emerald Pool, around ten minutes from the hut, as one of the nearby places to explore.
Stargazing at Night
Outside, the sky was full of stars.
With hardly any artificial light around, it was a lovely place to look up at the night sky.
I could even make out the Milky Way faintly with the naked eye.
It wasn’t particularly clear, but I could definitely see it.
Being surrounded by mountains and spending the night somewhere so quiet made the experience even more special.
Waking Up to Snow
The following morning, we woke up to find that snow had settled outside.
And of course, we ended up having a snowball fight!
It’s surprisingly easy to become a kid again.
All it takes is someone throwing a snowball at you, and you throw one straight back!
Before you know it, you’re getting a bit too competitive.
The Slippery Walk Back
The walk back was a different story.
We chose the steeper track on the way down, and it was quite tough, especially with snow on the trail.
Some sections had frozen, leaving the surface incredibly slippery.
I slipped and fell several times!
We had to watch our footing carefully, especially on the downhill sections, to avoid falling over.
Still, we were having a laugh and enjoying ourselves as we made our way down the mountain.
Unfortunately, the weather gradually got worse, and visibility became poorer as we descended.
I’m sure the scenery would’ve been beautiful if the weather had been clearer. That was a bit of a shame.
Still, there were some interesting sights along the way, including a small waterfall and a mysterious “Bus Stop” sign stuck into the rock!
A bus stop? Out here in the mountains?
What on earth was that doing there?
It felt bizarre but also quite funny, and was definitely worth stopping for a photo.
Despite the slippery track and worsening weather, I remember having a really good time with my friends.
Planning Your Hike to Woolshed Creek Hut
If you’re thinking about visiting Woolshed Creek Hut, here are a few things worth knowing before you go.
Getting There
Woolshed Creek Hut is in Hakatere Conservation Park, near Mount Somers in Canterbury.
The walk starts at Woolshed Creek car park, at the end of Jig Road.
From Mount Somers township, follow Ashburton Gorge Road for approximately 10 km, then turn right into Jig Road and continue to the car park.
It’s roughly a 90-minute drive from Christchurch.
Find Woolshed Creek Hut on Google Maps
Walking Time and Difficulty
According to DOC:
- Main track: 5.1 km one way, approximately 3 hours, intermediate difficulty.
- Alternative circuit via Bus Stop and South Face tracks: 6.4 km from the hut to the car park, approximately 3 hours, advanced difficulty.
The main track is the more straightforward option. The alternative circuit is longer and more challenging, particularly in poor weather.
You can also return along the same main track rather than completing the circuit.
Hut Facilities
Woolshed Creek Hut has 26 bunks with mattresses, a wood-burning stove with firewood provided, a rainwater tank and a long-drop toilet.
There’s no electricity, and you’ll need to bring your own cooking equipment.
The water is untreated, so boil it before drinking.
What to Bring
For an overnight stay, you’ll need a sleeping bag, food, a cooking stove, pots and utensils, a torch, toilet paper, a rubbish bag and suitable hiking clothing.
DOC also recommends bringing firelighters or matches for the wood-burning stove.
Bookings and Fees
You must book Woolshed Creek Hut in advance. No bunks are reserved for people arriving without a booking.
For the 2026/27 booking year, adult hut fees range from NZ$28 to NZ$38 per night, depending on the season and whether you’re staying on a weekday or weekend.
Check the latest availability and prices on the official DOC Woolshed Creek Hut page.
Weather and Safety
The weather can change quickly in the Mount Somers area.
Snow and ice can make the tracks dangerous, especially on steep sections. In winter and early spring, DOC advises that the wider Mount Somers tracks are best suited to experienced, well-equipped trampers.
There are also unbridged stream crossings on the main track, which need particular care after heavy rain.
Check the weather forecast, current track conditions and recommended equipment before setting off.
I certainly learnt how slippery the track could get when I fell over several times on the way back!
For official route information, visit DOC’s Track to Woolshed Creek Hut guide.
Final Thoughts: Was Woolshed Creek Hut Worth It?
Absolutely!
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 and enjoy hiking, I’d strongly recommend considering Woolshed Creek Hut.
But looking back, I think what made this trip so special was spending time with my mates.
We went hiking together, spent the evening chatting and playing cards in a mountain hut, and ended up throwing snowballs at each other the following morning!
We had such a good laugh together, and I’m sure it’s a trip I’ll remember for years to come.
