Visiting the forests

Press, 27 December 1986, Page 14

Visiting the forests

Mount Hutt

Mt Hutt State Forest is located 14km to the west of the mid-Canterbury township of Methven. It is within easy driving distance of Ashburton (35km) and Christchurch (104 km Covering an area of 4441 ha, the forest lies on the eastern flanks of. the foothill ranges, its lower edge abutting the Canterbury Plains.

Two reserves adjoin the forest. The Pudding Hill Scenic Reserve is administered by the Department of Land and Survey and the Awa Awa Rata Reserve by the Ashburton County Council.

Public recreation in both the forest and reserves is encouraged. A variety of interesting walks and tramping routes are provided and the Awa Awa Rata Reserve, adjacent to the forest, has picnic and barbecue facilities.

Mt Hutt Forest encompasses the upper catchments of Dry Creek and Pudding Hill ’Stream. From the summit of Mt Hutt (2189 m the land falls sharply to the Canterbury Plains. Slopes are generally steep. The forested parts of Mt Hutt are a small remnant of the forests that once extended over much of the plains and were almost continuous along the foothills until destroyed by fire and the introduction of grazing animals. Mountain beech is the dominant native ’ species throughout the forest. Although beech is noted for its tolerance of extreme climatic conditions, a snow storm in 1973 caused severe damage to mature trees, a stark reminder of which can be seen today in and around the Awa Awa Rata Reserve.

Secondary tree species such as broadleaf, Hall’s totara, fuchsia, marble leaf, kohuhu and pokaka also occur in forested areas with crown fern and bush lawyer. Above the scrubline vegetation is predominantly snow tussock giving way to scat-

tered alpine herbs at higher altitudes. Southern rata, a botanical rarity in this part of Canterbury, grows in Scott’s Creek and in the Awa Awa Rata Reserve. Exotic trees have been established for production and protection purposes on 238 ha of former tussock grassland, under a lease held by the Canterbury University Students’ Association. CLIMATE The area in which Mt Hutt Forest lies is one of climatic extremes. Temperatures in the valley in mid-summer can be very high, while in winter they can fall to well below zero. Rainfall ranges from about 1000 mm to 2160 mm at the top of the Mt Hutt Range. The high rainfall is countered by strong northwesterly winds which are most frequent in spring. Destructive gales and severe drought can be associated with these winds. In the winter, snowfalls are common in the upper forest. They may also occur, though more rarely, at lower levels. HISTORY European settlement of the Mt Hutt region was delayed until the 1850 s because of the harsh winter climate and the natural barrier provided by the Rakaia River.

In 1857 a Jease of the area between the north branch of the Ashburton River and the Rakaia, running from the foothills back to Terrible Gully, was taken out as the Blackford Run. The name became Mt Hutt Station with a change of ownership- in 1919.

The area to the north of the present Awa Awa Rata Reserve was largely forested and unsuitable for grazing so it was gazetted as State forest in 1889. In 1955 the area was increased with natural boundaries provided by the Mt Hutt summit, and the Pudding Hill and Mt Hutt Ranges. The forest

boundaries were further extended in 1971 with the acquisition of former run country and farmland retired from pastoral lease. ACCESS There are two points of entry into the forest from SH 72. McLennan’s Bush Road provides access to the Pudding Hill. Scenic Reserve, the Awa Awa Rata Reserve and the Mt Hutt ski field road.

The ski field road is- administered by the Mt Hutt Ski and Alpine Tourist Company, Ltd, under a lease issued by the Forest Service. Tolls are payable when the ski field is open. During the summer there is vehicle access up to a locked gate on the Scott’s Creek section of the road. Access beyond the gate is by foot only. Entry into the south-east-

ern corner and interior of the forest is via Pudding Hill Road with foot access up the Pudding Hill stream bed. All roads are suitable for two wheel drive vehicles. AWA AWA RATA RESERVE Situated in a clearing at the end of McLennan’s Bush Road, this reserve is a pleasant area for picnics and barbecues. Facilities include an open shelter, fire places and toilets. There are several short walks, (10-20 minutes) around the reserve which illustrate the diverse nature of the vegetation within the surrounding forest.

Mt Hutt State Forest and adjoining reserves provide a range of tracks from those suitable for short walks to tramps taking a full day. All tracks in the forest are suitable for active or fit families. They are well formed, marked and signposted. The short walks around Awa Awa Rata Reserve and the flat section of the Alder Track are pleasant walks for persons of all ages and levels of fitness.

Walking times are approximate and one way. Awa Awa Rata Reserve Loop Track (l l / 2 hours This track starts at the road end in the Awa Awa Rata Reserve and climbs to the ridge top overlooking the reserve. It passes through beech forest, mixed groves of broadleaf and fuchsia and a small stand of rata from which the reserve takes it name — Awa Awa Rata meaning “rata between two gullies.” There are excellent views of the lower bushclad

slopes of Pudding Hill Stream and the Canterbury Plains as the route follows the crest of a ridge down into a larch plantation where it joins the Ridge Track. From the junction the track descends through beech forest before emerging at the road end. Scott’s Saddle Track (2% hours)

An extension of the Awa Awa Rata Reserve Loop Track, this tramp begins at the ridge and climbs to an altitude of 1000 metres, passing through mountain beech, alpine scrub and grassland to Scott’s Saddle. On a clear day there are panoramic views of Pudding Hill Stream, Mt Hutt ski field, the Canterbury Plains and the Port Hills above Christchurch.

Pudding Hill Stream Track (1 hour) The entrance to this track is off the ski field access road, 100 metres above Scott’s Saddle. The route follows an open ridge top with good views of the surrounding mountains, headwaters of Pudding Hill Stream and Mt Hutt ski field. From the bushline a steep tramp follows as the track descends through mountain beech to the Pudding Hill stream bed. A feature of this walk is the interesting landscape created by the association of rocky outcrops and flax bushes within the beech forest.

Stout footwear or boots should be worn on all tracks. The weather can change suddenly so sufficent food and clothing should be carried to cater for all conditions.