Each week, we highlight our fave tramping trails in New Zealand for day and multi day hikes across Nelson Tasman (and beyond!)
Tucked away between the open expanse of Gouland Downs and the lush “enchanted” forest rolling toward James Mackay Hut, Saxon Hut sits right in the calm heart of the Heaphy Track. It has all the usual facilities of a backcountry hut, plus a few luxuries – several gas burners to whip up a delicious dinner, plenty of bike parking, generous tent platforms, TWO drop toilets (oh my!) and a refreshing mountain “spa” in the nearby stream.
From Trailhead: 30km
To Trailtail: 45km
If you’re planning a Heaphy mission, don’t rush this spot! It marks a natural breather between the climb to Perry Saddle behind you and the descent to the west coast ahead. The big sky, surrounding mountains and golden tussock make for incredible sunsets and glorious sunrises. During the evening you may even hear the call of the kiwi bird!
You’d be forgiven for thinking this hut has a full-time groundskeeper. The resident Takahē – once thought to be extinct – were reintroduced to the area several years ago and can often be seen clipping grass around the hut, blithely unaware of the humans ooh-ing and aah-ing while snapping dozens of photos.
Saxon Hut may not be the flashiest on the track, but ask anyone who’s stayed there – it’s a humble favourite for a reason!
