Butler Junction hut
Butler Junction hut is an ex NZFS 8 bunker located near the confluence of the Whataroa & Butler Rivers in South Westland. The hut is on the TR of both these rivers with the placement giving good views down the Whataroa River. Nearby swing bridges give access to the TL of each of these rivers.
Butler Junction hut gets a fair bit of use from hunters many of whom fly in. (The hut has an outside meat safe) A few trampers, mountaineers, prospectors & extreme kayakers also visit. The hut would be a good base for hunting from or to explore the surrounding area. Day trips to glaciers, ice lakes, hot springs, old gold mining sites, Whymper or Top Butler huts are all options.
It is a comfortable days walk along a marked track/route from the Whataroa roadend to Butler Junction hut. A fit party could reach Top Butler hut if they wanted to continue further. The walk in is a mix of easy & demanding going with some impressive river gorges & big side creeks along the way.
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Owner
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Owner: DOC |
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Category
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Standard Hut |
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Sleeps
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Sleeps 8
8
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Facilities
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Toilet, Enclosed wood/coal burner |
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Water supply
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Tap or tank water |
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Getting there
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The track start is on the TL of the Whataroa River near the helicopter tourism operation carpark. (Turn inland up a short road just south of the highway bridge) From there head to the Whataroa - Perth track junction & take the track up the Whataroa to Butler Junction hut. DOC guideline times are 2 hours to the Whataroa - Perth junction plus another 6 hours up to Butler Junction hut. (These times are too generous by about 25% for fit parties in good conditions!) |
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Unlocked
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This hut is unlocked and open to access. |
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Bookings
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No bookings — open access
No — open access
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Altitude
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320m |
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Mobile phone coverage
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No coverage |
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Maps
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NZTopo50-BW16
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