Places to stay
Lake Thompson
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...
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.
Cupola basin Hut
Hut
• Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 8.
A hut on the bushline with great views, well worth the up-hill grunt to get there.Even more spectacular when visited during the winter but add some extra time because of the conditions.
West Sabine Hut
Hut
• Serviced Hut (DOC). Capacity: 34.
Located in the West Branch of the Sabine River, south of Lake Rotoroa.
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The original hut has been replaced by a larger hut.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...
East Matakitaki Hut
Hut
• Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 6.
East Matakitaki Hut (6 bunk, matresses, fireplace, creek water) lies on river flats in the upper Matakitaki valley (east branch). The hut is a typical forestry hut 50m from the river.
The upp...
Bob's Hut
Hut
• Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 8.
Bob was to be absent when I arrived - though a cross outside hints at possible reasons. Hut book entries suggest he maintains a presence in spirit, at least, but the only movement I heard was the ...
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.