Tarn Hut

Mount Richmond Forest Park

Tarn Hut (5 bunks, matresses, stove, tank & stream water) is located in a clearing at the south end of a small tarn on the main Richmond Range south of Bishops Cap. The hut and tarn are 300m east of (50m below) the main track from Bishops Cap to Bushy Top, necesitating a short diversion for those passing through. The track to the hut is signposted and the ascent not too strenuous - perhaps worthwhile for the view (after hours of beech forest) and the chance of a rest!

The tarn in unique in the Richmond Ranges (at least it's the only one I've seen) trapped in a small hollow surrounded by beech. It's hardly a shining gem, surrounded by tree stumps, and reflecting only the grey sky and the flies when I visited. However, after the dry creeks of the ranges it is a pleasent surprise. A large cleared area leading south from the hut provides views towards the Red Hills and the ranges of the Nelson Lakes. A viewing platform is even provided, complete with ladder to ascend.

Tarn Hut • By madpom. Licence: cc by.
Key information
Owner
Owner: DOC
Category
Standard Hut
Sleeps
Sleeps 5
5
Facilities
Toilet, Enclosed wood/coal burner
Water supply
Tap or tank water
Getting there
Getting there
Lee Valley Road roadend: 15km. 4WD track / cut track.

Rintoul Hut: 8km, 2.5-4 hours. Well maintained cut track through beech forest. Poled rock / scree section over Purple Top.

Mid Wairoa Hut: 6.5km, 2-4 hours. Well maintained cut track to Bushy Top. Not so well maintained from track junction to river - scrambling over windfall (March 2007).

Lower Goulter Hut: 8.5km. Cut track through beech forest.

Possible route to Red Hill via main Richmond Range

Unlocked
This hut is unlocked and open to access.
Bookings
No bookings — open access
No — open access
Other
Altitude
1,030m
Mobile phone coverage
No coverage
Maps
NZTopo50-BR26
Map
ID 1860

About this hut

Added 25 April 2007 by madpommadpom. 2 revisions, most recently 5 April 2014 by matthewmatthew.
89 views in the past year (7 per month).