Climbing up from the Havelock River, this one runs deep into the backcountry. You get wide-open tussock and the big mountain views you'd expect from this part of the Southern Alps.

You're crossing working station land, so respect the access and go easy round any stock.

Black Mountain Hut itself is private, so you'll need permission from Mesopotamia Station to stay the night. Sort that out in advance and it's a scenic run into Canterbury's vast inland valleys, with a quiet spot to pitch up for the night.