Kupkin (Jan Kupka) and I have been exploring the idea of track cutting for some time. In 2021, we did some trimming on Pell Stream Hut track, and I also did additional track cutting work on Rocky Creek to Griffin Creek. However, this time, we fully committed: armed with permolat markers, nails, a hammer, and a couple of hand saws, we drove to the West Coast from Christchurch on Friday night with the main goal of cutting the track from Styx River to Newton Range Biv and along the ridge to Mt Brown Hut

Guide to Styx River

Our plan was to walk to Mid Styx Hut at night. The track along Styx River is quite good on both sides for a considerable distance from the car park; you just need to know when to cross. Unfortunately, due to our engrossing conversation (we hadn’t seen each other in a while), we missed a suitable crossing point and continued along the true right (TR) of the Styx River for much longer than intended. The confusion arises because the track on the NZ topo map remains on the TR (although DOC has re-marked it on the true left), and the TR track is also used as a trapping line, so it’s in reasonable condition. Additionally, the orange triangles on the TR didn’t disappear. Beyond Tyndall Creek, we encountered gnarly ledges high above the Styx River. After crossing them, I thought, ‘Well, I’m not coming back this way!’ Despite knowing we were on the wrong side, we attempted to cross there but Styx river was way too bad for our taste. Eventually, we decided that the most sensible option was to backtrack to where the Styx River was calmer, knee-deep, and not raging white water.

We scrambled back to the track through a washed-out section, crossed the gnarly ledge again (there are actually two—one not too bad, the other worse), and walked back about 2 km where crossing Styx River was a piece of cake. On the true left, we joined the DOC track and soon arrived at Tyndall Creek. Although the track here is reportedly good, it wasn’t easy to follow in the dark. About a kilometre up the creek, the track to Mid Styx Hut begins on the true right. It climbs steeply, with ropes installed on some sections. Once on a flat ridge, it’s a straightforward walk to Mid Styx Hut. Our journey took 7 hours, about 4 hours longer than expected. We arrived at the hut around 1 AM.

After enjoying some refreshments at the hut, I left to do some track cutting while Kupkin continued to sleep. First, I cleared the windfall on the Mid Styx Hut track down to Styx River. Instead of following the track, I ventured along the riverbed (not the best idea) and then climbed up to the track.The track was excellent in this section. To sum up, Styx river track is easy if the flow is low and you cross at suitable places.

Newton Range Biv track from Styx

The track to Newton Range Biv starts about 100 m on the true right of an unnamed creek (E1458977, N5249864). After crossing the creek, follow the true left for about 100 m. I placed a couple of rock cairns there. A new sign reading ‘Newton Biv’ confirms you’re in the right place. The track up to the bushline was in reasonable shape. I spent about 3 hours cutting through new growth, rerouting the track where landslips had washed it away, and adding more permolat markers in open forest sections where the track was only vaguely marked. Not far from the bushline, Kupkin caught up with me. He’d been working long hours over the past two weeks and needed some rest.

Above the bushline, the track is vaguely poled, but we were fogged in, making the poles hard to spot. We climbed straight up and followed the ridgeline east across open tussocks until we reached the biv. The biv was smaller than expected, with only one bunk. Kupkin slept on the floor, and I took the bunk.

Newton Range Biv track to Mt Brown Hut

The track between Newton Range Biv and Mt. Brown Hut is steep, rough, relatively exposed, slippery, and tiring. It follows the ridgeline, combining open tussocks (generally easy travel) with dips into scrub where a rough track has been cut. We spent at least 2 hours each cutting the track in the scrub. We didn’t bother with flax and vegetation below knee height.

From the biv to pt1240, the track is relatively straightforward. Beyond that lies a great wake up place: a vertical dip into the scrub. There are no markers along the track—just follow the cuts. Before reaching pt1336, you’ll encounter fascinating and somewhat surprising ultramafic rock formations. When we were there, they were frozen and super slippery, so we opted to stay on the tussocks—slightly longer but safer. Around pt1336, there are tarns and good flat spots for camping. About a kilometre after pt1336, a long stretch of scrub zone begins. Numerous nearly vertical knobs must be crossed—they appear impossible to cross from a distance but are manageable. Vegetation provides good handholds. Once we reached pt1270, it was an easy walk to Mt. Brown Hut.

The crossing between Newton Range Biv and Mt Brown Hut took us 8 hours, with at least 2 hours dedicated to track cutting. As fairly fit and fast trampers, I estimate that the time between the biv and the hut roughly equals 6 permolat hours. Reports in the New Range Biv hut book varied from extreme cases of 4.5 hours to over 10 hours, with the most common range being 7-9 hours. The track is currently in pretty good condition.

Despite mostly foggy conditions with visibility down to 50 metres at times, we managed to follow the ridge. If you venture up there, you can refer to my GPX track below, but use it judiciously—we did deviate slightly around pt1336, but nothing too far off track.

Mt Brown Hut to the carpark

After a foggy sunrise, the sun briefly appeared, allowing us to capture quintessential photos of Mt. Brown Hut. Descending the hill felt super quick, and we walked back along the road to our cars. It was an epic trip, and Kupkin and I have already discussed another track-cutting adventure. Giving back to the community makes tramping feel less selfish

Stats: 

Styx River car park to Mid Styx hut: 14 km, 7h, 570m ascent (navigational error)

Mid Styx hut to Newton Range biv: 7.5 km, 7h 20min, 930m ascent

Newton Range biv to Mt Brown hut: 8.5 km, 8h, 780m ascent

Mt Brown hut to Styx carpark: 7.3 km, 2h 20 min, 20m ascent

Participants: Michal Klajban, Jan Kupka

Tramped on 5-8th June 2024.

Route taken on NZ topo map (see below for download)

Map

Obviously don’t follow the TR of Styx as we did and cross where suitable. See my trip’s dsecription

Download file: GPX-hikingisgood-com-nz-2024-Newton-Range-biv-to-Mt-Brown-hut-track-cutting-adventure.gpx