If you’re looking for an easy overnight hut track, the track to Lake Daniells and Kōhanga Atawhai – Manson Nicholls Hut should definitely be on the list! Although it’s still just over 8km one way, the track is flat most of the way and perfect if you’re looking for a nice afternoon walk in the woods. Or, if you are hiking with kids.
You may of heard this track called Lake Daniells and spelt in a variety of ways, Lake Daniels, Lake Daniells. Apparently DOC did change it to Lake Daniell which is what you’ll see on their website. However the sign says Lake Daniells. To the best of my knowledge if someone’s talking about Lake Daniell or Lake Daniells, they’re talking about this track. I’ll refer to it as Lake Daniell.
Track Details
150 m gain | 16.8 km return | 4 hour return*
*Time reflects adult walking time. We took 3 hours to get in with a 2 year old walking quite a bit with lots of distractions.
The track follows along the Alfred River in Lewis Pass. The area is so beautiful. Typical west coast forest- lush and full of birdlife. I went on this track with a friend and her 2 year old in July. We were super lucky to get sunny weather walking in and out and the track was quite dry. I could imagine though after a rainfall, the track to Lake Daniell would get pretty muddy. Boots are advised.
The Lake Daniell track starts at Marble Hill campground. Keep driving on the road in and you will see a sign for the track on the left. It’s important to note that especially in summer, this is really popular track and a busy campground so make sure you book the hut before heading out.
There are a lot of interesting things to see along this track. The first one is what they call the ‘Sluice Box‘. It’s only 5 minutes from the start of the track so even if you’re just driving by, it’s a great place to stop, stretch you legs and take some pictures. This is where the Mauria River funnels through a small gorge and splits off to form the Alfred River.
There are quite a few bridges along this track. The almost half way marker is the ‘Troll Bridge’. The track thus far is a gentle undulating track. No big hills and easy to navigate with lots of markers.
From here you’ll move along the track and eventually come to the ‘Pell Stream‘ sign. There is actually a hut, Pell Stream hut. There is no maintained track and sounds like quite an adventure to get to. I found this very useful article in case you’re looking for something off the beaten path. On the path to Lake Daniell though, there was a nice bench to sit on and an even nicer robin that played a game following us on and off on a good majority of the track. From the bench it’s just over 4km to the hut.
There are lots of boardwalk sections throughout the track. A few spots where you’ll definitely want to keep an eye on the little one as the sides of the track have a bit of a drop off and the path gets rooted and rocky.
You’ll be under the forest canopy for the entire track until you reach the Manson Nicholls hut at the end.
The hut
The Kōhanga Atawhai – Manson Nicholls Hut was way more than I ever expected. I heard that it was family friendly and school groups visited but I have to tell you, it’s pretty fancy.
Like most huts in New Zealand this one comes with some history. The original hut at Lake Daniell was built in 1976 by members of the Christchurch Tramping Club and The Lake Daniell’s Fishing Club. It was originally located on the opposite side of the lake. Unfortunately in 1974, much of the hut was destroyed by a landslide killing Phillip Nicholls and Brian and Sharon Manson who were taking shelter in the weather.
In March 2020, the now Manson Nicholls Hut was built on the other end of the lake in memory of Phillip, Brian and Sharon. You’ll see on your visit a great info poster in the hut about the history.
There was a significant upgrade to the hut building it especially for families and school groups. The windows are double glazed with screens and the hut is insulated so even in wintertime it’s not freezing cold.
Here is what you can expect inside the Kōhanga Atawhai – Manson Nicholls:
- 2 bunk rooms with 20 beds in total
- Log burner (bring matches)
- Solar lights inside
- 2 sinks and multiple cooking/prep areas (water from tank outside which they encourage you to boil
- Mattresses
- ‘Flushing’ toilet with a state of the art composting system (more on that below)
There is a big deck on the front of hut and lots of tables inside so everyone has a place to sit. I loved the chalkboard wall where everyone can draw and get creative. And of course the toilets need an honourable mention for their intuitive design. They’re are not quite flushing toilets but instead your waste goes on a conveyor belt separating the solids and liquid. I’ll spare all the details but essentially it is more environmentally friendly and doesn’t have that same smell. Which I can confirm, the toilets weren’t bad smelling at all!
As you can imagine, this is a very popular track. Summertime is generally always booked out and there will be kids in the hut. We were pretty lucky when we went in July. There was just one other couple that were in there. We were actually the only ones booked in for quite some time. The hut is bookable all year round so make sure you lock in your booking before you set off. You’ll want to keep a confirmation of you booking with you as well as there could be a warden that checks.
The Lake
Being able to look out to the lake upon waking up in the hut is the most special thing about this spot. No matter what’s going on in the hut, the view is just serene. You’ll see on arrival there is a jetty going into the lake. Great for photography but you can also fish off of there for trout.
Many people go swimming in the lake in summertime. I suppose if you can haul one in, it would be a beautiful spot for a kayak.
However I will send a fair warning that as much as we humans love this spot, the sandflies like it more. You don’t want to head off for this hut without good bug repellent and a strict closed door policy in the hut! Don’t let that deter you though, just make sure you’re prepared. Even in July, walking by the lake and on the getty in the morning our pants were getting attacked.
When to go
The great thing about the Lake Daniell track is it is accessible throughout the year. You can expect something different in each season:
- Winter- less sandflies, less people, colder weather
- Spring- muddy and wet weather- school holiday groups
- Summertime- busiest time, hut gets booked out, lots of kids, lake would be warmest to swim in
- Fall- less sandflies, most stable weather
Stay safe on the trail
Even though the track to Lake Daniell is straight forward you always need to be prepared. Follow the MSC Land Safety Code to ensure you are doing all that you can to stay safe on the trails.
- Choose the right track/trip
- Understand and check the weather
- Pack warm clothes and extra food (even in the summertime, pack for an unexpected night out)
- Share your plan and take ways to get help- meaning tell someone your plans, where you’re going, when you expect to be back and always carry a beacon! I love having my Zoleo with me because I can message people. The one thing to note with garmin like messaging devices is that the track is covered in trees and those devices usually need a clear signal to the sky.
- Take care of yourself and each other
Although we are ultimately responsible for ourselves, and you don’t need to look after other people’s kids, being that this is a popular spot for young ones, I encourage you to just be a little more aware about what’s going on around you. There has been casualties and injuries at this hut before.
How to get there
The track starts at Marble Hill Campsite 5 km east of Springs Junction on the Lewis Pass Highway (SH7). If you’re coming from Christchurch way turn right off the highway at the Marbill Hill Campsite sign. If you’re coming from the other direction, turn left off the highway. Follow the gravel road in until you come to a shelter on the left hand side.