Big Bay Hut

Big Bay Hut (9 bunk, stove, limited firewood, tank water) is a house just above the beach in the remote Big Bay community of southern Westland.

This marks the seaward end of the tough Pyke River route and is an fantastic spot to reach after 2-3 days of wading through lakes, rivers and marshes from Alabaster Hut via Olivine. Don't breathe a sigh of relief just yet though, the 12km along the coast to Martin's Bay is boulder hopping most of the way (whilst in all probability being chased by seals with serious anger management and dental cleanliness issues).

Moir's Guide details a multiple day route along the coastline from here to Jackson's Bay. Don't be fooled by old maps showing tracks up the Upper Pyke to Jackson's. These have long-since overgrown and are identifiable only by the thicker density of scrub where the track once ran.

For those heading into the Pyke, the track behind the hut leads to a swingbridge accross the river.