Short Walks to Overnight Huts

Tramping is a classic Kiwi tradition, but as we grow older some of us don’t always enjoy the thought of a long trek, especially if we’re beginning this fabulous outdoor interest for the first time. Three cheers, then, for the many back country huts and other overnight facilities available just a short distance from a road end. Using the DOC website (and filtering for huts within a 1 to 3 hour walk from the road end), you can quickly locate the many short distance accommodations available throughout the country. If you’d prefer to follow our recommendations, below are a handful of huts in the lower South Island that will make your day!

Before you leave, though, be sure to do your own research through the DOC website to familiarise yourself with track conditions, distances, and hut facilities. Always be prepared for any weather eventuality, check the weather forecast before you leave, and carry a personal locator beacon-PLB (check here for outlets close to you where PLBs can be affordably hired). Distances maybe short, but meticulous preparation is essential for tramps of any distance.

Hooker Hut – Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

It may be the oldest hut in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, but this vintage gem, which was moved to its new position in 2021/22, has been restored to pristine condition in the most authentic way. Book well ahead to secure one of the 89 beds on offer, and enjoy the experience of being in a real mountaineering hut. Hooker Hut’s ample deck is the perfect place to sit with a warm mug of coffee, and gaze up at up at the snowy peaks.

Hooker Hut is just a 2 hour walk from the White Horse Hill Campground, a few minutes’ drive from the Hermitage Hotel. The first section of the 2 hour, one way walk, follows the well-formed and very popular Hooker Valley track. However, turn off this route at the designated site, and you will feel you have a wilderness trail to yourself. This comfortable, well-appointed hut is truly one of our tramping treasures. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit it!

Jollie Hut

Situated in the Jollie Valley, and just a 3 km, one way walk from Lake Pukaki, this hut is one not too many people know about. The hut was made water tight, and its grounds tidied, in 2020 by volunteers from the New Zealand Alpine Club. Originally built as a musterers’ hut in the 1900s, the facility now boasts comfortable bunk beds, a fireplace, and a covered deck. The hut is reached via a gravel farm road, followed by a trail which leads through pretty exotic trees. Enjoy the hut for its history, warming fireplace (check with DOC before you leave, to see if fire lighting is permitted), and the feeling of being in a real little ‘house on the prairie.’

Nicholsons Hut

Nestled in golden tussock above the cutest stream, Nicholsons hut must be one of the most iconic station-style huts in the country. Although DOC lists the track as 1 hour and 30 minutes return, it also categorised the trail as ‘advanced’ in terms of trail difficulty. Don’t let that put you off, but be sure to do your research thoroughly before you decide to go. The little 5-bunk, corrugated iron hut can be found in the Kopuwai Conservation Area in Central Otago. Bookings are not possible, so arrive early as beds are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

The trail begins at the very top of the gravelled Symes Road which, depending on conditions (check with DOC before you leave), can be negotiated in summer by confident, experienced drivers. This hut really is one to tick off your short hike bucket list!

Old Woman Hut

This spacious 6-bed hut can actually be reached by experienced drivers in off-road 4 wheel drive vehicles. However, the 1 to 3 hour walk to it is an opportunity to marvel at the strange rock formations that dot the range, and enjoy the billowing tussock. If fire lighting in the hut’s stove is permitted (check with DOC before you leave on your hike) you will need to carry in wood, as there is none to be found in the area. Team Old Woman and Nicholsons Huts for a 3 day outdoor adventure!

If you’re planning a road trip once school goes back and the country has quietened down, consider making short-walk huts the theme of your travel itinerary. Or plan a short-walk back country weekend away with the grandies!