Ranger Bivvy Track

Ranger Bivvy Track is a 10.52-mile (16.9 km) out-and-back from Casey Hut to Ranger Bivvy and back. Allow about 10 hours for the side trip. It follows river flats to Fenwick Stream, then climbs from its gorge through beech forest on a thin ridge. This is a full day for people already in the Poulter Valley, not a day hike from the highway: reaching Casey Hut from the road takes a separate tramp, commonly an overnight approach.

I'd make the detour only if you're already in the valley, have a long day in hand and are comfortable navigating a route DOC doesn't maintain.

From Casey Hut, follow the Poulter River Track into the Casey Stream valley, then take the Casey Saddle branch. Two stream crossings come early and can leave you wet-footed. Continue over open river flats, cross the Poulter toward Fenwick Stream, then follow its lower bed to a large gorge. Fenwick runs underground in parts of its lower reaches, so don't expect a continuous stream beside you.

The Poulter and smaller crossings are unbridged. High water can make them unsafe; turn back if the water is up or you can't see a safe entry and exit. The route depends more on river level than a particular season.

The cut route starts on the true right of Fenwick Stream at the gorge and climbs a thin ridge through beech forest. From Casey Hut, it gains roughly 650 metres before reaching the bivvy. Reports from 2023 and 2024 describe a cut, marked line, but DOC says there is no DOC track access. Carry a map, compass and GPS, and don't assume those older marker reports describe today's condition. Return the same way.

Ranger is a basic, free, first-come hut with two bunks and no mattresses. The New Zealand Forest Service built it in 1958 as Fenwick Stream Biv. A short climb through the tussock above the hut opens a view over Upper Poulter Valley and the flats opposite Minchin Stream; include the hut below you for scale. Dogs and other pets aren't allowed in Arthur's Pass National Park.