From the 4WD road end it is a short walk to the Canyon Creek picnic area. From here the tramping track takes you over the spectacular canyon and through beech forest. (1 hr 20 min).

The track then turns into a lightly marked route through an impressive gorge to the upper valley’s waterfalls and grassy flats. A rock bivvy has stunning views of Mt Barth. (2 hr 30 min).
Hideaway Biv

The starting point for Hideaway Biv is from Birchwood Road just after the Birch Creek bridge. There is a short public access route down to the Ahuriri River where vehicles can be parked. Cross the Ahuriri on foot and head across the flats towards an old mustering hut. From here it is possible to pick up an old track which circumnavigates Peak pt 1254. The track leads to a lovely mountain tarn and from here it is a short scramble skiring wetland areas to Hideaway Biv.

Hideaway Biv is an old historic hut complete with clay / concrete mix floor and rustic touches.

Getting there

The Mackenzie Basin is situated in the centre of New Zealand's South Island. It features mountains, lakes, rivers, beech forest remnants and rolling tussock country.

Most of the routes mentioned here are relatively easy to access and take the tramper into some wonderful high country.
About the area