Places to stay
Southern Crossing of the Tararuas
Kime Hut
Hut
• Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 20.
The highest hut on the Southern Crossing. Nice view of Masterton through the valley. This hut was replaced in 2014 and is now warm and light due to the large double glazed windows. Sleeps 20 people...
Field Hut
Hut
• Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 20.
Built in 1924, there are still signs of the original bush carpentry. Handy for Friday-nighters doing the Southern Crossing over the weekend. The danger sign in front of the hut refers to the track ...
Alpha Hut
Hut
• Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 16.
The first Alpha Hut was built in 1915, the 2nd replaced it in 1953 ( it was 6 yards inside the new water catchment area) and the 3rd in 1982 (hut 2 burned). Two sleeping platforms in 1995, tank wat...
Hut categories
- Great Walks Hut
- Well appointed DOC hut on one of the nine Great Walks. Great Walks pass required, bookings may be required. Facilities typically include toilets, heating, water, and bunks with mattresses. Some huts will have lighting, gas cooking, and a DOC ranger.
- Serviced Hut
- Larger, high standard hut. Many serviced huts have a booking system and must be booked in advance. Other huts require a back country hut pass or 3 hut tickets. Mostly owned by DOC. Facilities typically include a toilet, open fire or wood burner, water supply, and bunks with mattresses.
- Serviced Alpine Hut
- Alpine hut owned by DOC or clubs such as NZAC. Generally no heating. Payment varies. Facilities typically include a toilet, water supply, and bunks with mattresses.
- Standard Hut
- Typical DOC hut. Back country hut pass / 1 hut ticket required, no bookings. Facilities typically include a toilet, open fire or wood burner, and bunks with mattresses.
- Basic Hut/Bivvy
- Small DOC huts of 2-6 bunks. No fees or bookings. Facilities typically include a toilet and bunks with mattresses.
In general, food and cooking equipment is not available at huts. See DOC and NZAC websites for details of pricing and booking.
Campsite categories
- Great Walks Campsite
- Campsites are available on most Great Walks, usually next to huts. Great Walks pass required, bookings may be required. Toilets, water supply. No use of hut facilities not available.
- Serviced, Scenic, or Standard Campsite
- Accessible by car or boat, and offering a range of facilities.
- Basic Campsite
- Accessible by car or boat, but with minimal facilities. No fees or bookings. Toilet, water may be from stream.
- Backcountry Campsite
- Walk-in access. Fees vary. No bookings. Toilet, water may be from stream.