Last updated November 2026
The Hacket Track is a day walk up the Hacket Creek valley to Hacket Hut, starting from the Hacket Track car park on Aniseed Valley Road, about 15 km from Nelson. The Department of Conservation (DOC) grades it as an advanced tramping track, 11.4 km and 4 hours return via the same track.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s track page said the track “has been badly damaged” and that “there are many slips, take great care.” It also says there are many washouts, slips and a high risk of falling rocks, and recommends avoiding the track completely if heavy rain is forecast. Check DOC before you go.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Hacket Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Hacket Track car park, off Aniseed Valley Road
- Distance from the city
- About 15 km from Nelson
- Walking time
- 4 hr return
- Track length
- 11.4 km return via the same track
- Grade
- Advanced tramping track
- Dogs
- Dogs with a DOC permit only
- Huts
- Hacket Hut (DOC hut, bookings required)
- Toilets
- At the car park only
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Hacket Track
The track leaves the picnic area by the car park and crosses the Roding River on a wooden bridge. After about 1 km a suspension bridge takes you over Hacket Creek, and from there the track follows the creek upstream through private land.
At the junction of the Miner River and Hacket Creek there is a picnic area. From here, carry on along the Hacket Track towards the hut.
About 30 minutes further upstream, at the junction with Browning Stream, a signposted track heads off to Browning Hut. Keep right to stay on the Hacket Track to Hacket Hut.
Not far up the valley from the Miner River junction, the Chromite Mine Track (25 min, 1.1 km) leads to a historic chromite mine. From there you can continue over the ridge into the Serpentine River valley and back to the car park, 6.2 km and about 2 hours from the turn-off.
Track Conditions and Safety
DOC is direct about the damage. Many sections between the car park and the Miner River junction have been washed out by extreme weather, the ground is unstable and more of the track could collapse. Further slips and rockfalls are likely, and DOC suggests choosing a different track if you are not comfortable with that risk.
Slips are marked with danger signs. DOC’s advice is to move quickly but carefully through those sections and not to stop. Heavy rain makes slips more likely, so avoid the track completely when heavy rain is forecast.
Check DOC before you go, use Plan My Walk to prepare, and tell someone your plans.
Hacket Hut
Hacket Hut is a standard DOC hut with 6 bunk beds, heating, mattresses, non-flush toilets and water from the stream. DOC says bookings are required.
Getting There
From Nelson, follow State Highway 6 south through Stoke and Richmond, then turn left onto Aniseed Valley Road at Hope. After 11.5 km on Aniseed Valley Road, turn onto the gravel driveway at the DOC signpost for Hacket Track, which leads a short distance to the car park.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Hacket Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Plan My Walk (NZ Mountain Safety Council): plan your trip, check gear and share your intentions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hacket Track open?
It was open when we checked on 18 October 2026, with no DOC alerts, but DOC’s track page said it has been badly damaged, with many slips, washouts and a high risk of falling rocks. Check DOC before you go.
How long does it take?
DOC gives 4 hours return for the 11.4 km walk to Hacket Hut and back.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an advanced tramping track.
Can I take my dog?
Only with a DOC permit. Contact the closest DOC office to get one.
Do I need to book Hacket Hut?
Yes. DOC says bookings are required for Hacket Hut.
Where does the track start?
At the Hacket Track car park off Aniseed Valley Road, 11.5 km from the Hope turn-off on State Highway 6.
Should I go after heavy rain?
DOC recommends avoiding the track completely if heavy rain is forecast, because rain makes slips more likely.
Are there toilets?
Yes, at the car park, but not elsewhere along the track.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.