Heaphy Track: Gouland Downs Hut - Saxon Hut

Dogs No Dogs

E-Bikes Unknown

The track after Gouland Downs Hut passes first through a stand of beech forest adorning a limestone outcrop before descending to cross a flat area of Gouland Downs. There are two old style swing bridges on this section of track. If the rivers are low it is much easier to ford them than struggle across the bridges with a bike.

After crossing the Downs, the track climbs easily up, meandering through beech forest before emerging into the tussock clearing where Saxon Hut is situated 5km from Gouland Downs Hut.

The Saxon Hut is named after John Saxon, who surveyed the track in 1886. Saxon Hut is a well-built, older style hut with an open plan single room, wood fire, long-drop toilet, fresh water, and gas-cooking facilities scenically located on the western edge of the Gouland Downs among red spinifex tussocks.

Its a great place to listen for the call of the Kiwi at night, and you might be lucky enough to see one as well.