Offroad-Express

Hello all, Just want some info on any drive/walk to hut options in Canterbury - North Island rellies need entertaining in late June. I thought of Lake Sumner but it's been years, don't know what the track's like now. Any others? Ta.

Lake Sumner area is usually closed of for winter, but check with DOC and see, as depending on your dates you may get in OK. You need to Book Lake Sumner to get the combination for the gate at Loch Katrine.
Another great area for a Drive Hike is the Poulter River. You can drive as far as Mount Brown Stream, and that is the boundary of the Atrhurs Park National Park. You can safely park there (If on your own do not try and descend to the river from here) From there it is about a 7km walk to Casey hut, a good hut to overnight. You will need good topo maps and map numbers L33 and L34 cover the area OK
If you travel alone the track can get a bit difficult, so only drive as far as you feel confident as it is a long way to get a tow, Better still get someone to take a vehicle with you, as two vehicles are better than one.
Cheers

Thanks for that. I've walked arouind there - long time ago - Pete Stream had a scruffy old hut then. A drive to Mt Brown Stream could be a good option.
Cheers
Peter H

I went tramping up around st andrews hut ( i think thats where it was, was a bit north of castle hill) and there was a car track on some of it that looked alright. Dunno if thats any help