Bikepacking NZ
Old Women Hut, Banockburn, Otago
The old women hut is in the Old women Ranges which are next to the Old man ranges.
The hut is about 1500 meters above sea level and is just off the Nevis Road. The Nevis Road is one of New Zealand highest public roads.
Old Women Hut Front door
For a short 6km ride with 300meters elevation park at the Watts Rock and cycle from there. Its a 4wd track all the way and offers great views of the Otago hills.
On the short ride there are no river crossings or bike lifting so you could take a trailer and electric bike if you wish.
Track after the Nevis Road
The hut is very comfy and you might need it as the weather can get a little wild on these ranges. It does get muddy when it rains. If you have a 4WD and driver you can take it as a support food carrying vehicle.
Inside the Hut
From the hut there some great old 4wd tracks to explorer. The views from the Hut are pretty good as well.
Hut and views
Or you can do the loop from Bannockburn.
The black track on the above Map is the return day.
To do the loop park at Quarzville RD carpark at the start of the Carricktown track. I would recommend cycling up the Nevis road and down the Carricktown track. From the carpark cycle down to the Bannockburn road and turn right away from Cromwell. 4Km down the road you come to a right fork, this is the Nevis Road. Once on the Nevis road the gravel and hills start. Its a long slog to the saddle but the views making stopping worth it. The turn off for the Nevis Rd is at 400 meters and the saddle is at 1200 meters above sea level so its a 800 meter climb in 10km.
Once at the saddle (by Watts Rock) turn left down a old 4wd track to Duffers saddle. From there its another 300 meters of climbing followed by a flat section to the Hut. Note you do turn right once on the top and its hard to see in bad weather.
To return cycle over Duffers saddle to Watts Rock. From the rock is a track that goes all the way past Carricktown and onto the Quarzville RD carpark. This track is great fun and all ridable, with good breaks. On the way there are some old gold mining relics one of which is a large water wheel, worth the side trip to see.
In conclusion this trip is well worth it with the highlight being the route down through Carricktown due to great views and fun track. The hut is nice to stay at with camping opportunities around it. There is a small river that runs past the hut for water. On a clear night the sky vista is of course amazing.
Here are some other cycles in the area, great area for biking but not all e-Bike friendly.
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