Places to stay
Victoria Forest Park
Lake Christabel Hut
Hut
• Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 8.
A tidy hut situated on the TL bank of the Blue Grey River about 20 minutes above Lake Christabel near the junction with the Rough Saddle & Robinson Saddle tracks.
Kirwans hut
Hut
• Serviced Hut (DOC). Capacity: 12.
Perched up near a ridge top this hut location commands good views to the south and west. This popular hut is near the site of an old miners hut of which some evidence remains. The whole surrounding...
Montgomerie hut
Hut
• Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 6.
This hut is located at the junction of the Montgomerie and Waitahu Rivers. There is 4x4 or mountain bike access up the TR of the Waitahu River all the way to the hut. It can be part of a circuit wa...
Big River Hut
Hut
• Serviced Hut (DOC). Capacity: 35.
The Big River Mine operated from 1882 to 1942. This hut is surrounded by relics of the mining era, and is a good base for exploration.
Wheel Creek hut
Hut
• Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 6.
Located on a flat amongst beech forest in the headwaters of Wheel Creek a tributary of the Maruia River. It is a shortish walk from the hut up to the tussock & rock of the Victoria Range.
Top Robinson hut
Hut
• Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 8.
An extended Forest Service hut quite similar to the nearby Lake Christabel hut. This hut is located in a man made clearing in tall beech forest in the upper reaches of the Robinson River which is a...
Rooney's Cottage & Hut
Hut
• Shelter (DOC).
Miners' accomodation associated with the Big River Mine. The cottage and attached "single-man's hut" are derelict.
Top Waitahu Hut
Hut
• Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 2.
Biv high in the Waitahu River, near the treeline.
Slab Hut Creek Campsite
Campsite
• Basic Campsite (DOC). 25 spaces.
Grassy picnic and camping spot. Recreational gold mining is permitted in the creek. The site features a barbecue and pizza oven!
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.