Rod Donald Hut
The Ron Donald hut is owned and maintained by the Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust.
It sits on a 10 ha private property of mainly regenerating native bush protected by a QEII covenant. It offers wonderful views over the Little River area and surrounding hills.
Facilities
- Verandah
- Lounge with stove for heating the hut (not suitable for cooking, firewood supplied)
- Bunk room
- Solar lighting
- Tank water (should be boiled or treated before using)
- Composting toilet
What to bring
- Cooking stove, pots, pans
- Sleeping bag
- Toilet paper
Heritage
The hut was originally built as a private cabin in the early 1990s. The Rod Donald Trust purchased it in 2014 and upgraded it to meet the DOC Serviced Hut standards, before formally opening it to the public in November 2015. At the opening ceremony local Kaumatua James Robinson from Wairewa lifted the tapu alongside Rod Donald's father, partner and daughters. Rod Donald had a deep love for Banks Peninsula and is buried at St Andrew's church near Little River, in the valley below the hut.
Getting there
It's 50 minutes from Port Levy Saddle, which can be accessed from the car park at the top of the Western Valley Road from Little River or via Te Ara Pātaka from Montgomery Scenic Reserve.
Tracks to the hut
- Located in Banks Peninsula area
Enjoy magnificent views over Banks Peninsula, the Canterbury plains, Southern Alps and Pacific ocean on this track, which is about an hour's drive from Christchurch.
Duration: 2-3 days
Difficulty: Intermediate, Advanced
Location
NZTopo50 map sheet: BX24
Grid/NZTM20000 coordinates; E1583679, N5159155
Fees
Adult (18+ years):
- Sunday to Thursday -$25 per night
- Friday and Saturday -$35 per night
Youth (5 - 17 years):
- Sunday to Thursday -$12:50 per night
- Friday and Saturday -$17:50 per night
Child (0 - 4 years): Free
Pay when you make a booking. Backcountry Hut Passes or tickets can't be used.