The main route to the hut starts from the DOC carpark at Kinvara Station. Up what looks like a private driveway just south of Lug Creek, about 9 km north of from Middlemarch. The carpark is not marked from the main highway. Follow Kinvara Road track. Please ensure that you leave gates as you find them and do not disturb stock. Take the left-hand turn off at 7.8 km and follow the road for a further 1.2 km to the hut. This turn-off is signposted.
The hut is also accessible via a poled route from Big Hut. Note that this route can be hazardous in poor weather and parties making this crossing in such weather need to be well equipped and experienced.
Location
Rock and Pillar Conservation Area. Topo50 map sheet CD16, E1372100, N4966354
Leaning Lodge is location at 1223m above sea level, near the summit of the Rock and Pillar range - from the closest walking access point it is normally a 3-4 hour climb, with an elevation gain of 900m
Direct Route
There is a Department of Conservation carpark located off the driveway to Kinarava Station. From the State Highway intersection with Browns Road in Middlemarch, follow SH87 for 9.4km, and look for a driveway on your left (if you come to Lug Creek, you have gone 80-100m too far).
Park in the signposted DoC carpark, and follow the marked route through the lower farm paddocks, leaving the gates as you find them. The track heads into Lug Creek, and then commences a zig-zag climb on the south side.
At 900m elevation, look for a prominent junction in the 4WD track, and take the left-hand track (facing uphill) - this track sidles south-west around to Leaning Lodge, which is reached after 600m or so.
Other Routes
The Glengcreag track is a marked track that leads to Big Hut (managed by the Rock and Pillar Trust). From Big Hut there are formed and unformed routes to Leaning Lodge. The Glencreag track is signposted at the intersection of SH87 & McKinnon Road, 5.7km from Middlemarch.
Know before you go
The hut is in an alpine environment. Weather is subject to rapid change, and conditions may be icy/slippery. Crampons may be required.
If accessing by vehicle
Kinvara Road is suitable for appropriately equipped 4WD vehicles. Vehicles must keep to the track to preserve the environment. During winter months substantial snowfalls make the road impassable.
Private property
The Kinvara Road passes through a deer farm before reaching the conservation area at 900 m above sea level. Please respect the farming operations and ensure gates are left as they are found. Fawns are present from mid-November to mid-December. During his period please do not use vehicles on this track.