Last updated November 2026
The Pinchgut Track follows the Okuku River into the back of Mount Thomas Forest Conservation Area to Pinchgut Hut, a DOC hut in the North Canterbury foothills.
DOC grades it Advanced and gives 3 hr one way, and describes it as a challenging day or multi-day hike for trampers with a moderate to high level of backcountry experience. It starts from a small parking area at Round Hill Stream on Taaffes Glen Road, reached from Loburn.
Parts of the track are unformed, rough and steep, and there are unbridged river and stream crossings. The road end is about 49 km from Christchurch, making this a big day trip or an overnight trip from the city.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Pinchgut Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Small parking area at Round Hill Stream, Taaffes Glen Road
- Distance from the city
- About 49 km from Christchurch
- Walking time
- 3 hr one way
- Track length
- 5.7 km
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash only
- Hut
- Pinchgut Hut (DOC Standard hut, 7 bunks)
- Map
- NZTopo50 BW23 (Cust)
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Pinchgut Track
From the parking area, walk 300 m along the gravel road, then take the track that drops to the Okuku River and cross it. A marked track leads to a clearing, where you turn right for a short marked section, then right again onto a vehicle track for 400 m.
The track then turns left onto a benched path above the Okuku River, passing an impressive stand of kānuka. Two large landslips are bypassed by walking along the river’s edge. Beyond Whare Stream the track climbs steeply, then sidles along the hillside to Pinchgut Hut.
The track is marked with orange triangles on trees, and above the bushline with markers. DOC says navigation and survival skills are needed, and the track suits trampers with solid backcountry experience rather than casual walkers.
Pinchgut Hut and Onward Routes
Pinchgut Hut is a DOC hut at the end of the track. DOC lists it as a Standard hut with 7 bunk beds, heating, mattresses, a non-flush toilet and water from the stream. DOC’s track page does not give fees or booking details, so check the DOC hut page before you go.
From the hut, experienced trampers can continue to Bob’s Camp Biv, about 3 hours via the Cattle Peak Route, or to the junction with Bob’s Camp Bivouac Route, about 2 hours 30 minutes via the Whare Ridge Route.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert for the Mount Thomas Forest Conservation Area about storm treefall, including on tracks “heading towards Bob’s Camp Bivvy”, with some orange direction markers affected. DOC said: “Extreme caution is required – not suitable for inexperienced walkers.”
River Crossings and Safety
There are unbridged stream and river crossings. DOC warns that the “Okuku River may not be passable in high flows” and says not to cross if the river or stream is flooded, or where you can’t find a good entry and exit point. Turn back or wait if you’re unsure.
Possum trapping with leg-hold traps is taking place in the area, by permit only, so keep dogs on a leash and under control. Wasps are numerous from January to March. Check DOC before you go, tell someone your plans and use Plan My Walk.
Getting There
From Loburn, follow the Loburn-Whiterock Road for 13 km, then turn into Taaffes Glen Road and follow it to Round Hill Stream, where there is a small parking area. The access road passes through Whiterock Downs Station. Leave gates as you find them; DOC notes some may look locked but are usually only secured with a chain.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Pinchgut Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
New Zealand Mountain Safety Council: river crossings: guidance on deciding whether to cross a river.
Plan My Walk: weather, track alerts and a trip plan to share before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Pinchgut Track take?
DOC gives 3 hr one way to Pinchgut Hut.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Advanced and says it suits trampers with moderate to high backcountry experience. Parts are unformed, rough and steep.
Is there a hut?
Yes, Pinchgut Hut, a DOC hut at the end of the track. DOC lists 7 bunk beds. Check the DOC hut page for fees and booking.
Are there river crossings?
Yes, unbridged ones. DOC says the Okuku River may not be passable in high flows.
Can I take my dog?
Dogs on a leash only, because of possum trapping.
Where does the track start?
At the small parking area at Round Hill Stream, on Taaffes Glen Road off the Loburn-Whiterock Road.
Can I continue past the hut?
Yes. Routes lead on to Bob’s Camp Biv via Cattle Peak and to Bob’s Camp Bivouac Route via Whare Ridge.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.