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Awa Awa Rata Reserve, Methven
4.5 km
2 hours
600 metres
If you are looking for a leg-burner that rewards you with one of the most spectacular vistas in Mid Canterbury, you have found it. The Scott’s Saddle Track is not for the faint of heart, but for those who enjoy the feeling of "earning" their view, it is an absolute must-do. Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Pudding Hill Range, just a stone's throw from the alpine village of Methven, this track offers a punchy, invigorating tramp through pristine native bush and rugged alpine landscapes.
Managed by the Department of Conservation, this trail is a hidden gem within the Awa Awa Rata Reserve. It is a steep, honest climb that takes you from the sheltered forest floor to the exposed heights of the Southern Alps' front range. Whether you are a local looking for a weekend workout or a tourist seeking a high-country experience without the crowds of the Great Walks, Scott’s Saddle delivers a true New Zealand tramping experience.
The journey begins at the tranquil car park of the Awa Awa Rata Reserve. It is a peaceful spot, often filled with the scent of damp earth and the distant sound of the Pudding Hill Stream. However, don’t let the serenity fool you—the Scott’s Saddle Track wastes absolutely no time in getting down to business. From the moment you step off the flat grass of the reserve, the trail tilts upwards, and it stays that way for the majority of the climb.
The first half of the walk immerses you in a lush, dense canopy of mountain beech (tawhairauriki). This section of the forest is beautiful, with soft mosses carpeting the ground and sunlight filtering through the small, dark leaves of the beech trees. However, the track underfoot is classic New Zealand backcountry: expect a tangle of exposed tree roots, loose rocks, and the occasional patch of mud, even in the height of summer. You will need to watch your footing as you navigate the steep zig-zags.
As you gain elevation, you will notice the forest beginning to thin. The tall beech trees give way to sub-alpine scrub, and eventually, you will "pop" out of the bushline. This transition is one of the most exciting parts of the hike. Suddenly, the enclosed green world of the forest is replaced by the vastness of the alpine herb fields and golden wī (tussock) communities.
The gradient eases slightly here as you traverse the open slopes towards Scott’s Saddle itself. The air feels thinner and fresher, and the sense of scale is immense. The track officially concludes where it meets the Mount Hutt Skifield access road. Standing at the saddle, you are 600 metres higher than where you started just a couple of kilometres ago—a feat your calves will certainly remind you of!
Parking is available at the Awa Awa Rata Reserve car park, located at the end of McLennans Bush Road. To reach the reserve from Methven, follow the signs towards the Mount Hutt Ski Field. Instead of turning right up the winding ski field road, continue straight ahead down the gravel road until you see clear signage for the Awa Awa Rata Reserve entrance. There is ample space to park on the grass at the back of the reserve.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
12.5km away
A historic and lively pub in the heart of Methven, offering a warm welcome, cold beer, and hearty bistro-style meals. It's known for live music and a great post-hike atmosphere.
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Out and back
While the track is an out-and-back, many hikers like to use the interconnected network within the reserve to change things up. You can connect with the Ridge Track or the Opuke Track to create a loop on the way down, allowing you to see different sides of the reserve’s diverse topography.
The undisputed highlight of this trail is the panoramic view from the top. Once you clear the bushline and reach the saddle, the world opens up in every direction. On a blue-bird day, the views stretch across the vast, checkered patchwork of the Canterbury Plains. You can follow the winding silver threads of the braided rivers all the way toward the Pacific Ocean. If the air is exceptionally clear, you can even spot the Port Hills framing Christchurch in the far distance.
To your back, the rugged, rocky peaks of the Mount Hutt range loom large. Seeing the ski field access road snaking up the mountainside gives you a real sense of the dramatic geography of the region.
Another standout feature is the botanical transition. It is rare to experience such a distinct change in ecosystems over such a short distance. Watching the lush, moisture-loving beech forest transform into the hardy, wind-swept alpine plants is a treat for any nature lover. Look out for the delicate alpine flowers that bloom in the herb fields during the summer months—they are small but incredibly resilient.
To reach the trailhead, head to the Awa Awa Rata Reserve, located at the end of McLennans Bush Road.
If you are coming from Methven, follow the signs towards the Mount Hutt Ski Field. As you approach the base of the mountain, instead of turning right to head up the winding, gravel ski field access road, continue straight ahead. Follow the gravel road until you see the clear signage for the entrance to the Awa Awa Rata Reserve.
The reserve has plenty of parking on the grass at the back of the area. It is a lovely spot for a pre-hike stretch or a post-hike picnic, with basic toilet facilities and sheltered areas available.
The Awa Awa Rata Reserve is a haven for native birdlife. Because the track moves through different layers of vegetation, you have the chance to see a variety of species.
Tip: The best time for birdwatching is early morning when the forest is at its most vocal. Bring a pair of compact binoculars if you have them, especially for spotting the Rifleman.
The area surrounding Methven and the Pudding Hill Range holds deep significance. For Māori, the Southern Alps are known as Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, the "garment of the ocean." This region was historically a place of seasonal resource gathering and a pathway through the mountains.
The name Awa Awa Rata refers to the streams and the Rata trees that once flourished here. While much of the surrounding plains were cleared for agriculture by European settlers in the 1800s, this reserve remains a vital pocket of original wilderness, offering a glimpse into what the Canterbury foothills looked like centuries ago.
Geologically, you are standing on the edge of the Canterbury Fault, where the mountains literally erupt out of the flat plains. This dramatic shift in landscape is what makes the views from Scott's Saddle so uniquely breathtaking—there is no gradual transition, just a sudden, magnificent rise into the high country.
After a 600-metre vertical climb, you will have worked up a serious appetite. Fortunately, Methven (just a 15-minute drive away) is one of the best "après-hike" towns in New Zealand.
The Scott's Saddle Track is a challenging, rewarding, and quintessentially Canterbury experience. It’s a reminder that you don’t need to hike for days to find true wilderness—sometimes, you just need a couple of hours and a very steep hill.
Nestor notabilis
Intelligent alpine parrot endemic to the South Island. Known for curiosity and problem-solving abilities.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Acanthisitta chloris
The tītitiponamu is New Zealand's smallest native bird, often seen flitting quickly up tree trunks and branches.
Best time: Year-round
12.5km away
Located directly opposite The Blue Pub, The Brown Pub offers a cosy, traditional country pub experience with a family restaurant, a wide range of beers, and classic Kiwi fare.
12.5km away
A popular cafe in Methven, known for its delicious breakfast, coffee, and famous pies. It offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a post-hike refuel.