Photo: Andy Mitchell, CC BY-SA 2.0Awa Awa Rata Reserve
Beech forest, a rhododendron dell, and the closest proper walking tracks to town.
Awa Awa Rata Reserve sits at the end of McLennans Bush Road, 12.5km northwest of Methven, where the plains stop abruptly against the foot of Mt Hutt (Ōpuke). It is the main entry point to Mount Hutt Forest — one of the few sizeable stands of native bush left on this side of the Canterbury foothills — and the closest genuine walking network to town. A picnic area and a planted rhododendron dell sit near the car park; the dell's spring flowering is a minor local event, and the walking tracks climb from there into mountain beech.
The network suits most abilities. Two short walks of 10 to 15 minutes loop through the rhododendrons and lower bush. Beyond those, the Alder Track (830m, 30 minutes one way) climbs gradually through alder flats and a larch plantation; the Ōpuke Track (820m, 30 minutes) links the ridgeline back to the reserve road; and the Ridge Track (2.2km, 45 minutes) runs along the ridge above Pudding Hill Stream, tying the whole system together. Combining Scotts Saddle, Ridge and Ōpuke tracks makes a circuit DOC estimates at about 90 minutes.
Scotts Saddle Track is the serious option. It climbs steeply from the reserve car park through tawhairauriki (mountain beech), breaks out into alpine herbfield and tussock, and joins the Mt Hutt Skifield access road at Scotts Saddle. On a clear day the saddle looks across Pudding Hill Stream to the ski field and out over the plains as far as the Port Hills above Christchurch. The reserve is quiet through the week; kererū are common in the canopy, and hunting is not permitted inside the reserve.
What to expect
Track times range from 10-minute strolls to a half-day return trip up Scotts Saddle Track. The core figures: Alder Track 830m (30 minutes one way), Ōpuke Track 820m (30 minutes one way), Ridge Track 2.2km (45 minutes one way), and the combined Ōpuke circuit around 90 minutes. Fit walkers move through it faster; families with small children should stick to the lower loops and the Alder Track, which is the gentlest way into the network.
Underfoot, expect a benched but unpolished bush track. The forest holds moisture, and Scotts Saddle Track in particular gets muddy after rain, with steep and narrow pinches higher up. Boots are a better choice than sneakers for anything beyond the short loops. The bush is dense enough that views only open up once you gain the ridge or the saddle — this is a forest walk first and a viewpoint walk second.
The car park has plenty of space and the reserve entrance is signposted from McLennans Bush Road. An alternative approach is from the Mt Hutt Skifield access road, though a locked gate at Scotts Saddle in summer means walking from there. Mountain biking is not permitted on any of the tracks, and wasps can be present in high numbers in late summer — worth knowing if anyone in your group is allergic.
Best time to visit
The tracks are walkable year-round, and each season has a case. Spring brings the rhododendron flowering near the car park and the freshest bush; summer gives long evenings and dry ridgelines, though it is also peak wasp season; autumn colours the larch plantation on the Alder Track. In winter the lower tracks remain fine but Scotts Saddle Track can carry snow and ice near the tops, so check conditions before committing to the climb.
Insider tips
- ✓Wear boots rather than sneakers — the beech forest holds mud well after rain, especially on Scotts Saddle Track.
- ✓Carry antihistamines in summer; DOC warns wasp numbers can be high, and anyone allergic to stings should bring their medication.
- ✓Visit in spring to catch the rhododendron dell in flower near the car park.
- ✓No mountain bikes on any of the tracks — this is a walking-only network.
- ✓Check the DOC Mount Hutt area page for current track conditions and dog rules before bringing a dog.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Awa Awa Rata Reserve from Methven?
About 12.5km, or 15 minutes' drive. Follow Arundel Rakaia Gorge Road out of Methven towards Mt Hutt, then turn onto McLennans Bush Road and follow it to the end. The reserve car park is roughly 2km short of the Mt Hutt ski field turnoff, so it pairs easily with a drive up the mountain.
How long are the walks at Awa Awa Rata Reserve?
Anything from 10 minutes to half a day. Two short loops near the car park take 10–15 minutes, the Alder, Ōpuke and Ridge tracks run 30–45 minutes one way each, the combined Ōpuke circuit takes about 90 minutes, and the climb to Scotts Saddle is a solid half-day return.
When do the rhododendrons flower at Awa Awa Rata?
In spring. The planted dell near the car park is the reserve's best-known feature locally, and the flowering generally peaks around October and November, though timing shifts with the season.
Is there accommodation near Awa Awa Rata Reserve?
There is nothing at the reserve itself — it is a day-visit spot with a picnic area. Most visitors stay in Methven, 15 minutes back down the road, which has motels, lodges and holiday homes — see visitmethven.co.nz/stay.
Practical information
Price
Free
Location
End of McLennans Bush Road, off Arundel Rakaia Gorge Road, Pudding Hill (12.5km from Methven town centre)
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