Walk to a modern hut high on the Rock and Pillar Range with extensive views over the Taieri Valley.

Rock and Pillar Range, its summit ridge dominated by impressive schist tors, is one of Otago’s most distinctive upland features. A night at Leaning Lodge is one of the best ways to experience the views, the night sky and the sub-alpine landscape.

The route to the hut follows Kinvara Road, which can be negotiated in a 4WD vehicle almost all the way. The best way to experience the unfolding views, however, is to walk or cycle.
From the car park, follow the farm road northwest through gates beside deer paddocks. After about 1km the road begins to climb a series of switchbacks. Ever-expanding views of Taieri Valley and Taieri Ridge are revealed the higher you climb. Look carefully and you may see cyclists on the Otago Central Rail Trail far below.

About 500m up the road from an intersection with a farm road, keen hut baggers may spot a small building in the tussock on the right, about 30m above the road. This is so-called Botany Hut, a two-bunker once used by university botanists. It has seen better days and is no longer weatherproof.

At just over 1200m and after 7.8km, the 4WD track levels off and you soon come to a junction. Kinvara Road continues straight ahead to the top of the Rock and Pillar Range, reaching an altitude of 1350m.

The road to Leaning Lodge is to the left. Follow it through the open tussock and rocky landscape for a further 1.2km to a small stream (the hut water supply) and the hut (1220m). 

The original hut was built by Otago Ski Club in 1958 and named Leaning Lodge because of its sloping floor. At the same time, a rope tow was constructed and the area became known as the Castle Rock ski field. Otago Tramping and Mountaineering Club (OTMC) took over the hut in the early 1970s, and Leaning Lodge became the base for club cross-country skiing trips and other winter activities.

By the early 2000s the hut had reached the end of its useful life and a replacement was built in 2013. Unfortunately, this did not comply with aspects of the building code and had to be closed.

Construction of the third Leaning Lodge, owned by OTMC and managed by Leaning Lodge Trust, started in 2023. It was officially opened in 2024. Unique features include solar lighting beside each bunk and two USB charging ports. Expansive double-glazed windows allow commanding views over the plain and hills of Taieri Valley.

The hut is in a sub-alpine environment and the weather is subject to rapid change. In winter conditions become icy and an ice axe and crampons may be required.

It is possible to explore more of the Rock and Pillar Conservation Area by finding a route to the top of the range up the open slopes behind the hut. Aptly named Big Hut is only one hour of easy travel away once the Rock and Pillar Road at the top of the range is reached. The Glencreag Track from Big Hut is an alternative route back to the valley floor, however a 4km walk along the highway will be required to get back to your car. Allow 4–5hr from Leaning Lodge for this.