Youngman Stream Hut, Puketeraki Forest Conservation Area

Mountain beech trees flecked with lichen rise on one ridge above the Ashley River, while tawny grasses flank the opposite bank. That’s the location for the six-bunk Youngman Stream Hut.

Canterbury’s foothills frequently offer accessible tramping options when bad weather hounds the higher mountains of the Main Divide. Lying north of the inland expanses of the Lees Valley, the Puketeraki Forest Conservation Area covers 6750ha and boasts two huts. Both can be linked on a lovely two to three day circuit.

From the 4WD access road, a marked route goes up the Ashley River, climbs onto the tops of Lilburne Hill (1405m), and leads to the beautifully situated Tarn Hut (four bunks). Then there’s a pleasant amble over Lilburne Hill, down through stunted mossy mountain beech, to the Ashley River and Youngman Stream Hut. From there, the route heads downstream, starting with a bit of a goat track that sidles high to avoid a gorgy section and ends with an easy wander along flatter terrain back to the car park.

Built in 1975, Youngman Stream is one of the younger Forest Service huts, and thanks to efforts by DOC and New Zealand Alpine Club volunteers, it’s been recently tidied up and freshly painted. A good wood-burner and plenty of dead wood nearby make it a cosy overnight destination – even in the depths of winter.