Each week, we highlight our fave tramping trails in New Zealand for day and multi day hikes across Nelson Tasman (and beyond!)
Love your alpine time? Check out the Devilskin Route in Canterbury: a glorious jaunt linking the Nina and Doubtful Valleys over a high mountain pass. If the weather plays ball, stay the night in this wee biv tucked below the imposing Devils Rampart ridge. Why pay for a fancy Airbnb when you can slog for hours up a mountain, carrying a heavy pack and freezing your ass off? Just imagine the sweet satisfaction of knowing you put in the mahi as you drift off in your cosy sleeping bag. Luxury!
Distance: 24km
Elevation: +921m -1048m
Just over a 3 hour drive south of Nelson, there is plenty of space to park at the grassy trailhead just off State Highway 7. While it’s possible to walk both ways, the general consensus is to make your way anticlockwise from Nina to Doubtful. The route is a semi-circuit, with the trail finishing about 11km down the highway from where you began (car shuffle, stashed bike or hitchhike – choose your own adventure).
I’d recommend checking out the flow of the Boyle River before you begin, preferably at the confluence with Doubtful River where you will have to cross on your way out. Low flow is crucial! Avoid after heavy rainfall.
Follow the Nina Valley Track west, crossing 2 bridges and meandering alongside the river for 8km (+202m) to reach Nina Hut. From here the track to the saddle is reasonably well marked and sidles high above the Nina River, gradually gaining elevation up to Blind Stream. The trail shoots up a steep spur, where you’ll need to scramble amongst tree roots and around a waterfall. At the bushline the track levels out – this is the old hut site and the place to pitch your tent if the bivvy is taken.
Follow the marker poles another 30 minutes through golden rolling tussock to reach Devilskin Saddle – take in the stunning views down both valleys! The basic 2 bunk biv is tucked away another 100m along the saddle. Please note: this area is not suitable for camping, and the biv has no woodburner. Choose your weather window wisely!
From the hut, follow the poled route down to Devilskin Stream and pick up the track at the bushline. More sidling high above the river, before descending steeply to Doubtful River (cross here!) and the bright red hut downstream. It’s another 2 hours from here back to the highway and your final river crossing.
Make sure you swing by Maruia Hot Springs on the drive back for a recovery soak!
~Emma
