Ranger Bivvy is a two-person dog-box-style bivvy on the treeline in Arthur's Pass National Park
Hiking to Ranger Bivvy in Arthur's Pass National Park
Ranger Bivvy is tucked into a fold of the treeline on the slopes of the Poulter Range, in Arthur’s Pass National Park. It’s a classic small dog-box-style bivvy, but with the addition of an open fire.
There’s no path to Ranger Bivvy shown on the Topo50 map, but the route is relatively straightforward, if steep. In this article, I’ll explain how to get there and what to expect.
Getting to the start of the hike to Ranger Bivvy
Ranger Bivvy is best accessed from Casey Hut, on the Casey Saddle – Binser Saddle Route. Parking is available at Andrews Shelter Campsite or the end of the Poulter Valley, both on Mount White Road. Check out my blog post on the Casey Saddle – Binser Saddle Route HERE for more details.
Casey Hut is a great place to spend a night before hiking onwards to Ranger Bivvy
Hiking to Ranger Bivvy Day One: Casey Hut to Ranger Bivvy
The hike from Casey Hut starts along the Poulter River Track, turning up the Casey Stream valley for a short distance before reaching a junction with the track heading over Casey Saddle. Turn right here to cross two streams, both of which are likely to get your feet wet. Don’t try this in high flow.
Two early stream crossings mean the day starts with wet feet
After the stream crossings, the path joins the 4×4 track that travels up the Poulter Valley, and crosses a low bluff through beech forest. As the 4×4 track exits the forest on the north side of the bluff, the walking path departs left through open river flats. This area affords expansive mountain views through picturesquely scattered bog pine.
The views up the Poulter Valley are spectacular
As the river flats widen out, the Poulter River Track continues north. At this point, the route to Ranger Bivvy leaves the track to cross the Poulter River. There is no path for this section, so head diagonally across the river flats – avoiding the intimidatingly spikey matagouri shrubs – and then the Poulter River itself, towards the bottom of Fenwick Stream on the far side. Again, don’t attempt this in high flow.
Crossing the Poulter River towards Fenwick Stream
From the bottom of Fenwick Stream, the route continues up the dry riverbed. In its lower reaches, Fenwick Stream was dry when I visited, but further up, the water was running. This part of the hike affords stunning views of the beech forest leading up to the peaks of the Poulter Range.
The Poulter Range looked particularly stunning when I visited, with its peaks covered in snow
After about 25 minutes, a narrow gorge is reached. Here, orange track markers denote the beginning of the forest path to Ranger Bivvy.
After a short, steep start, the gradient eases off for a time, before gradually steepening all the way to to the bivvy, a roughly 600 metre ascent from the valley floor. The track is well cut and marked.
Tom on a gentler stretch of the forest path
It took me five hours from Casey Hut to Ranger Bivvy. I was with an injured hiking partner, so fit parties may be considerably faster.
Ranger Bivvy is in a cold, damp spot
Ranger Bivvy is nestled in a small valley on the treeline. Surrounded by trees on three sides, it doesn’t get much sun, and when I visited, the area around the Bivvy was covered in snow. It was a magical spot, but very cold and damp.
Scroll through for some pictures of Ranger Bivvy, inside and outside
Ranger Bivvy has two canvas bunks and a large open fireplace next to the door. There is a woodstore, and water can be collected from a small stream next to the hut. An open-air long-drop toilet is tucked into the edge of the trees up the hill behind the bivvy. A short walk further up the hillside affords panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
A short walk up the hillside above Ranger Bivvy affords fantastic views of the surrounding peaks
During my stay, all the firewood was soaking wet, and the anaemic fire did little to combat the chill inside the hut. The chilly night, however, was offset by the multitude of kiwi tracks we found in the snow the following morning.
Kiwi footprints in the snow near Ranger Bivvy
Hiking to Ranger Bivvy Day Two: The Return
Simply retrace your steps in reverse. The hike down from Ranger Bivvy is a lot of fun, especially in the upper reaches, where you can use the tightly packed small beech trees to swing down the steep path at a decent lick.
Don't miss out on using the facilities before you leave Ranger Bivvy
Practicalities of Hiking to Ranger Bivvy
The route outlined starts at Casey Hut in the Poulter Valley, so most parties will need two days to reach Ranger Bivvy from the road.
Involving multiple river crossings, this journey should only be undertaken in good weather with low river levels. In winter, awareness of avalanche risk is essential.
Getting away from the hike to Ranger Bivvy
Return to Casey Hut, then continue to your car at Andrews Shelter Campsite or the car park at the end of the Poulter Valley. Or continue further up the Poulter for more adventures.
There are more overnight options further up the Poulter Valley
Maps
I’d recommend downloading the NZ Topo50 app on your smartphone and using it for navigation. Otherwise, print one from topomap.co.nz.
Visited: April 2026