Poulter Valley - Arthur's Pass NP

The New Zealand Conservation Authority in 2012 approved mountain bike access up the Poulter Valley in Arthur's Pass National Park, after an initial three-year trial period. The trip offers great scenery, some challenges and one good hut for an overnight excursion.

The original Casey Hut burnt down in October 2015. The replacement 12 bunk Casey Hut was opened in August 2020, built on a new site - a terrace overlooking the Poulter River.

The 8-bunk Trust/Poulter Hut is a further 4 km/1 hour 30 minutes pedal up the Poulter valley and requires river crossings.

For more information, have a read at DOC.

Note: 

Arthur's Pass National Park is rugged, mountainous and not as developed as most other national parks. Bikers should take a topo map (Cass BV21) and check the weather forecast before venturing out. River-crossing skills are essential. For more safety information, view the Tramping in Arthur's Pass National Park brochure.

Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.

Follow the Mountain Bikers Code - in particular keep to the specified route. Exploring the bush track beyond Casey Hut, or areas beyond the Trust / Poulter Hut by bike could result in access being foreclosed. That would make you highly unpopular with the rest of us. Be considerate of trampers and others you meet in the valley, as many supported the initial three-year trial period.