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.

Owner
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Owner: DOC |
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Category
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Standard Hut |
Sleeps
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Sleeps 5
5
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Facilities
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Toilet, Enclosed wood/coal burner |
Water supply
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Tap or tank water |
Getting there
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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 |
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Unlocked
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This hut is unlocked and open to access. |
Bookings
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No bookings — open access
No — open access
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Altitude
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1,030m |
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Mobile phone coverage
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No coverage |
Maps
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NZTopo50-BR26
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