Places to stay

Te Araroa Trail

Waihaha Hut
Waihaha Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 10.
The most popular hut in the Pureora Forest
Red Hills Hut
Red Hills Hut
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 6.
The Red Hills Hut sits on the saddle between the Motueka (right branch) and the Wairau, and at the base of the Red Hills Ridge. The 60-year old hut was replaced in March 2010. The hut makes a good ...
Magdalen Hut
Magdalen Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 6.
Magdalen Hut is the 3rd incarnation on this paddock. Built in 2008, it's sparky and shiny, with 6 bunks.
Manuka Hut
Manuka Hut
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 6.
A very basic hut near Lake Heron that is popular with Hunters. It is located 5 km away from Double Hut, a similar hut. Both huts have six bunks, a fireplace, a nearby river, firewood, and a toilet.
Hurunui Hut
Hurunui Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 15.
Large tramping hut on river terrace above the Hurunui valley. The hut is near the roadend, and as such convenient for those arriving in the evening for an early morning start. The pack-horse track...
Blue Lake Hut
Blue Lake Hut
Hut Serviced Hut (DOC). Capacity: 16.
Located beside tiny Blue Lake at the head of the Sabine Valley. West, Moss Pass leads to the D'Urville Valley. South is larger Lake Constance and Waiau Pass beyond. Blue Lake is renowned for its...
Double Hut
Double Hut
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 6.
A very basic retired mustering hut on the Swin River South Branch, near Lake Heron, and popular with hunters. The hut is located on the Te Araroa Trail southwest of Clent Hills Saddle. The hut ...
Pahautea Hut
Pahautea Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 20.
10 minutes from the summit of Mount Pirongia in the Pirongia forest park about 30kms West of Hamilton. Very clean and tidy good water and toilet with an outstanding view. New 20 bunk hut opened 2015.
John Tait Hut
John Tait Hut
Hut Serviced Hut (DOC). Capacity: 30.
A good hut situated 5 hours easy walk from the head of Lake Rotoiti. Good views of Mt. Travers up the valley.
Hamilton Hut
Hamilton Hut
Hut Serviced Hut (DOC). Capacity: 20.
A large hut on the Cass-Lagoon Saddle Track. The hut is well situated on a terrace above the wide Hamilton Creek flats just above its confluence with the Harper River. Two sleeping areas, a large s...
Mid Wairoa Hut
Mid Wairoa Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 6.
Mid Wairoa Hut (6 bunks, matresses, tank & river water, stove) sits on flats 20m above the Left Branch of the Wairoa River. The river has good swimming holes, and but for the sandflies this would m...
Lakehead Hut
Lakehead Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 28.
A large modern hut. Lots of sandflies. Note that access to Coldwater Hut across the valley is either a 2-3 hour tramp via a swingbridge higher up the river or 40 minutes if the Travers River is low.
West Sabine Hut
West Sabine Hut
Hut Serviced Hut (DOC). Capacity: 34.
Located in the West Branch of the Sabine River, south of Lake Rotoroa.
Harper Pass Biv
Harper Pass Biv
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 2.
Harpers Pass Biv (2 bed, matresses, stream water, no fire) is a small bivvy 1.5km below the Harper Pass. Weather-tight and a handy lunch spot on a rainy, windy day. Reportedly cold on a winters n...
Waiopehu Hut
Waiopehu Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 18.
Great hut and views but very cold. If you get wet, there is no way to dry yourself or your clothes. A good hut for the summer. The old Waiopehu Hut was located under the bushline with no views, in ...
Goat Pass Hut
Goat Pass Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 20.
Large hut on the popular Mingha-Deception route
Crooked Spur Hut
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 8.
A beech-pole hut constructed 1947, and located about 1 hour's climb above the streambed of Bush Stream near Mesopotamia. Used for mustering up until 2009. Original sacking bunks have been replaced ...
Caroline Creek Bivvy
Caroline Creek Bivvy
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 2.
A nice little bivvy with 2 canvas bunks and an open fire
Boyle Flats Hut
Boyle Flats Hut
Hut Serviced Hut (DOC). Capacity: 20.
Perched high above the river on a grassy bench, Boyle Flats Hut is accessed via a swingbridge over the Boyle.
Upper Travers Hut
Upper Travers Hut
Hut Serviced Hut (DOC). Capacity: 24.
The original hut has been replaced by a larger hut. The new hut is in the shelter of the trees outside of the avalanche chute from Mt. Travers. Very nice, fully insulated, double glazed with a grea...
Kiwi Hut
Kiwi Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 8.
Hope - Kiwi Lodge
Hope - Kiwi Lodge
Hut Serviced Hut (DOC). Capacity: 20.
Hope Kiwi Lodge (sleeps 20, matresses, stove, tank water) is a large modern tramping hut on the grassy flats of the Kiwi River valley. The hut lies 2km south of the confluence with the Hope River....
Mangatepopo Hut
Mangatepopo Hut
Hut Great Walks Hut (DOC). Capacity: 30.
A Great Walk hut (must be booked in advance), easily accessible from the road-end. Gas heater and gas stove (in summer). Central living/cooking area with a sleeping room on each side. About 8 forme...
Pakituhi Hut
Pakituhi Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 8.
A new, but characterless tramping hut 1000m above Lake Hawea. 8 mattresses on 2 sleeping platforms. Tank water. No fire. The hut sits on the new 'shortcut' track which cuts off Timaru Creek ...
Top Wairoa Hut
Top Wairoa Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 6.
Top Wairoa hut (6 bunks, matresses, fire - limited scrubby firewood, river water) huddles amidst Manuka scrub above the north forks of the Wairoa River (left branch). It's a pleasent ex-forestry h...
Mingha Biv
Mingha Biv
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 2.
Just south of Goat Pass. Hut has had a full refurbishment thanks to NZDA, Permolat and The Back Country Trust. No mattresses so you will need to bring your own.
Starveall Hut
Starveall Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 6.
A standard DOC hut with six bunks and a wood burner situated on the bushline 45 minutes below the ridge leading to the summit of Mt. Starveall.Great views over Nelson area and out over the bay to M...
Camp Stream Hut
Camp Stream Hut
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (PVT). Capacity: 6.
A small, dark hut in good condition, owned by the Mackenzie Alpine Trust, and free to use. Donations are appreciated. There is a tube to post them into by the front door. Firewood is supplied to bu...
Tarn Hut
Tarn Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 5.
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 ...
Royal Hut
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 8.
An old mustering hut located in the broad tussock basin of Bush Stream. Originally called "New Hut", its name changed after an overnight visit by Prince Charles and Princess Anne in 1971.
Hauhungaroa Hut
Hauhungaroa Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 6.
A brand new fully insulated and double glazed hut in the Pureora Forest Park
Top Timaru Hut
Top Timaru Hut
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 4.
Sometimes just called Timaru Hut - this hut sits surrounded by tussock and rock upstream of the last forested section of Timaru Creek. The hut has 4 bunks, creek water, but no toilet. There's a w...
Stodys Hut
Stodys Hut
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 6.
A cute ex-musterer's hut above Timaru Creek. 6 bunks on 2 platforms. An open fire, which draws well - and firewood is abundant. Water is from a nearby stream. The floor is earthen - though a rand...
Aparima Huts
Aparima Huts
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 11.
Two huts situated at the bushedge in the Aparima Valley, Takatimus. The newer hut's an old but standard tramping hut - sleeping 8 on two platforms. There's a woodburner with hotplates on top, ...
Old Man Hut
Old Man Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 6.
Old Man Hut (sleeps 6, wood-burning stove, firewood available, tank & stream water) sits in a large grassy clearing between Old Man peak and Mt Rintoul. The hut is down a side-track, about 1km (30...
Greenstone Hut
Greenstone Hut
Hut Serviced Hut (DOC). Capacity: 20.
This hut is built on the site of the old Sly Burn Hut, and replaces the Mid Greenstone Hut. Sly burn Hut is now staff quarters. this hut is cozy and is in good condition.
Comyns Hut
Comyns Hut
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 8.
Corrugated iron hut on grassland next to Turtons Stream, south of Lake Coleridge. Constructed in 1957, restored in 2008, and reportedly in good condition. The original hut was built in 1897, and is...
Locke Stream (No. 4) Hut
Locke Stream (No. 4) Hut
Hut Serviced Hut (DOC). Capacity: 18.
Once known as No. 4 Hut, this hut was build in 1939 as a tourist hut for the Harper Pass Track. The hut has been recently renovated, but retains its historic character. Wood-panelled walls, a large...
Hacket Hut
Hacket Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 6.
This 6 bunk hut lies on the western edge of Mt Richmond Forest Park and is only 1½ hours walk from the Aniseed Valley. The hut has a wood burner and water is taken from the nearby Hacket Creek. Bed...
West Harper Hut
West Harper Hut
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 5.
An historic hut on the Harper River with axe-cut beams, canvas bunks and a dirt floor. Although basic, this hut is still comfortable. There is camping space on the grassy flat arounf the hut, and w...
Bog Inn Hut
Bog Inn Hut
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 4.
A more rustic hut at the foot of Mt Pureora. Named fro the proximity of a large spagnum moss swamp near by
Waiau Hut
Waiau Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 6.
New hut on the Waiau Pass Track and Te Araroa Trail. This hut was opened 27 January 2018, and constructed with the support of an anonymous donor.
No. 3 Hut / Number Three Hut
No. 3 Hut / Number Three Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 16.
No. 3 Hut (16 beds in 2 rooms, wood-burning stove, tank/creek water) is a lovely historic hut on flats in the mid reaches of the Hurunui River. The hut is well built and lined with macrocarpa timb...
Stone Hut (Canterbury)
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 8.
This historic hut is constructed of stone and corrugated iron, and located in Forest Creek. The first stone hut on the site was built in the 1880s, with a replacement in the 1900s. The current hut ...
Porters Creek Hut
Porters Creek Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 6.
A basic hut on the edge of the Red Hills mineral belt.
Lagoon Saddle Shelter
Lagoon Saddle Shelter
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC).
An A-frame day shelter located in a sunny clearing near Lagoon Saddle on the Cass-Lagoon Saddle Track. The Lagoon Saddle Hut is also nearby, hidden in trees across the creek.
Anne Hut
Anne Hut
Hut Serviced Hut (DOC). Capacity: 20.
The new Anne Hut replaces the hut that burned down in July 2010, and opened 18 February 2012. This hut is situated 700m northeast of the old hut.
Upper Deception Hut
Upper Deception Hut
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 6.
Six bunk hut adjacent the popular Mingha-Deception route. It was built by the NZFS in 1962. [A four bunker Lower Deception hut was also built in 1962 but it was burnt down some time post 1980]
Camerons Hut (Lake Sumner)
Camerons Hut (Lake Sumner)
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 4.
A draughty tin hut with an open fire and concrete floor - but homely.
Bealey Hut
Bealey Hut
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 6.
A tidy hut near the end of the Cass-Lagoon Saddle Track. The hut has six bunks (most, but not all, with mattresses) and a table and chairs. Ample grass for camping outside. This hut offers a conven...
Hope Halfway Hut
Hope Halfway Hut
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 6.
Hope Halfway hut is halfway up the Hope valley from the Lewis Pass road to Hope-Kiwi lodge. It's pretty rough, but useful when travelling by shuttle which passes through in the middle of the day.
Browning Hut
Browning Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 8.
Water from the nearby creek. Nice and bright inside due to skylights. Some wasps and mosquitoes seen and mice suspected. Bed layout as giant bunk, table and bench supplied plus airer for wet garments.
Highland Creek Hut
Highland Creek Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 12.
A new hut for the Motatapu Track on pastoral lease land.
A Frame Hut (Hakatere)
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 3.
Corrugated iron A frame biv on tussock flats near the confluence of Turtons and Comyn's Streams.
Anne Cullers Hut
Anne Cullers Hut
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 4.
Viewed across the Anne River. A newer, larger hut was adjacent to this old timer but burned down in Jul 2010. The new Anne Hut is a serviced 20-bunk hut 1.2km downstream and on the opposite side o...
Mount Rintoul Hut
Mount Rintoul Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 6.
Rintoul Hut / Mount Rintoul Hut (6 beds, matresses, stove, tank water) lies on the Alpine Route, 100m below the bushline on the main ridge of the Richmond Ranges, as it heads west from Mt Rintoul t...
Boundary Hut (Mavora- Greenstone Walkway)
Boundary Hut (Mavora- Greenstone Walkway)
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 8.
A hut on the Mavora-Greenstone Walkway on Mararoa River, beyond North Mavora Lake.
Careys Hut
Careys Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 7.
Hut at the head of North Mavora Lake on the Mavora-Greenstone Walkway. This corrugated iron hut includes both a coal range and an open fire place.
Fern Burn Hut
Fern Burn Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 12.
Fern Burn hut on the Motatapu track.
Captains Creek Hut
Captains Creek Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 6.
Captains Creek Hut
Hunters hut (Mt Richmond)
Hunters hut (Mt Richmond)
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 8.
cosy 8 bunk hut on ridge left branch motueka river not that easy to find on old maps
Slaty Hut
Slaty Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 6.
On the Mt Richmond Alpine Route.
Rokeby Hut
Rokeby Hut
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 3.
Hidden on a high bench above the Boyle River. Three canvas bunks, 2 cute seats and a woodstove make for a cosy night and quaint atmosphere. However, the ubiquitous sandflies are still in paradise.
Roses Hut
Roses Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 12.
A new hut for the Motatapu Track on pastoral lease land.
Roebuck Hut
Roebuck Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 6.
A remote, cosy hut in a great location (sandflies!) within the Richmond Forest Park near Nelson.
Lagoon Saddle Hut
Lagoon Saddle Hut
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 2.
A shiny corrugated iron hut across the creek from the shelter near Lagoon Saddle. The hut is tidy, features shelving made from split logs, but has no mattresses. The low doorway features grafitti r...
Lower Princhester Hut / Princhester Base Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 6.
Lower Princhester Hut (6-bunk, stove, stream water) is a roadend hut in the northern Takitimu's. Given its roadend location it is not surprising that DOC have it marked as 'This hut is planned to ...
Middy Hut
Middy Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 6.
Nice location but tons of sandflies on the river bank.
Greyneys campsite
Greyneys campsite
Campsite Informal campsite (DOC). 10 spaces.
A grassy clearing in the forest next to the highway, with a stone shelter. This campsite is located near the start of routes up the Mingha and Edwards Rivers. A short loop walk here follows the Old...
Twilight Campsite
Campsite Basic Campsite (DOC). 25 spaces.
Overlooking Paengarēhia / Twilight Beach, this campsite is located on the Te Paki Coastal Track.
Kerr Bay campsite
Kerr Bay campsite
Campsite Basic Campsite (DOC). 21 spaces.
Grassy lakeside camping surrounded by a wealth of walking options, from short walks to alpine tops trips and multi-day tramps. Bookings are required at peak periods. As a "Scenic" campsite, rat...

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.