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One of the most iconic experiences you can have in New Zealand is spending a night in a backcountry hut. New Zealand huts are unlike anything you’ve probably ever seen before and spent the night in one is a true “Kiwi” experience.
It’s true. In a New Zealand hut you might run into young school groups, families, groups of friends, and of course, a mixture of locals and international tourists. You’ll make friends, share hiking stories, and quite possibly enjoy some of the most breathtaking views you’ve ever seen right from the hut’s kitchen window.
But what exactly is a hut in New Zealand and how do you stay in one?
Well, in this blog I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about staying in a hut in New Zealand including how to book them, what to expect, what to bring, and so much more.
I’ve also included a list of the 15 most iconic New Zealand backcountry huts. That way, you can curate your own NZ hut bucket list and start booking your stays ASAP!
About New Zealand Huts
Backcountry huts in New Zealand are group accommodation units owned and operated by the Department of Conservation (DOC.) The DOC is responsible for almost all hiking trails in New Zealand along with plenty of campsites, national parks, maintenance and protection of flora and fauna, and pretty much anything outdoorsy you can think of.
Huts in New Zealand provide a place to stay for hikers along hundreds of hiking trails across the country. In fact, there are a total of 950 different huts in NZ that the DOC manages!
These huts provide refuge for hikers and they are very affordable. Some huts are completely free to stay in while the most expensive (I’m looking at you Milford Track) cost up to $70 NZD a night.
Huts also range in the services they provide. Some have power, some have flushing toilets and running water, some have kitchens and communal areas filled with board games and books, and some, well, are simply a roof over your head.
But what all New Zealand huts have in common is their incredible landscapes. The huts are often located in some of the most beautiful places in New Zealand – places that many never see. You have to hike to find them and this isolation in the middle of New Zealand’s untouched natural beauty makes the entire experience special.
New Zealand Hut FAQs
Types of Huts in New Zealand
It’s important to understand that there are 4 different categories that huts fall into. Each category tells us what facilities and services are available in a hut, and that is reflected in the price.
Great Walks Hut
There are 10 Great Walks in New Zealand. The huts along these trails are known to be the most luxurious and the most expensive. Expect to pay between $15-$70 NZD per person per night to stay in one of these huts. Prices depend on the season and the specific hut.
You need to book your stay at these huts in advance online. You can also expect mattresses, running water, gas and cooking stove, places to wash your hands and dishes, heating, and many have a designated hut warden.
Some of the Great Walks huts resemble hotels rather than hotels! That’s right, they are that nice!
The Great Walks season runs from the end of October until the end of April, and during this time is when the huts are the busiest and most expensive.
You can check all prices for huts on Great Walks on the DOC website.
Serviced Huts
Serviced huts are similar to the Great Walks huts in terms of facilities, but most don’t supply gas or cookers (some do such as the Mueller Hut). They are often well kept though with a live-in hut warden, or at the very least, regular staff cleaning.
The biggest difference between serviced huts and Great Walks huts is the price. Serviced huts cost a flat rate of $15 NZD per adult per night ($7.50 for children.)
Some serviced huts need to be booked online in advance, while others simply require a general serviced hut pass and are first-come-first-serve.
Standard Huts
These huts are even more basic yet. You’ll find mattresses for sleeping, a water supply (likely in the form of a tank outside of the hut), and pit toilets.
While the DOC manages these huts, there will not be a warden on-site and it will be the responsibility of hikers to clean up after themselves. Only on rare occasions will rangers come and tidy up the hut. Basically, I’m saying, don’t expect the most spotless shut you’ve ever seen.
Standard huts are pretty much all first come first serve. They only cost $5 NZD per adult per night and $2.50 for youth.
Free Huts
Free huts are the roughest huts. They are practically unmanaged and have very few facilities. Expect a roof over your head and not much more. But hey, what more can you ask for when they are free?!
15 Most Iconic and Beautiful Huts in New Zealand
With 950 different huts spread across New Zealand, it might seem like a challenge to narrow it down to the best ones worth visiting. So with the help of a couple of other avid hikers, I’ve compiled this epic list of the absolute best New Zealand huts.
Each hut on this list has been chosen for a specific reason. It might be because of its incredible location, or maybe, its luxurious facilities or interesting history. Regardless, each hut is special for its own reason and you’re about to find out what that is.
1. Mueller Hut
Location: In Mount Cook National Park at the end of the Mueller Route (also known as the Mueller Hut Hike.) From the parking lot, it is a 5.2-kilometer (3.2 miles) hike up 1,050 meters (3,444 feet) in elevation. The hut is located in an alpine environment with views of Mount Cook, the Hooker Valley, and Mueller Lake.
Type of hut: The Mueller Hut is a serviced hut.
Facilities: There is a large kitchen area complete with picnic tables and kitchen counters, a non-flush toilet outside, water from a tap that you need to boil before using (that freezes in winter), gas with cookers, and solar lights. There is no heating or power.
Number of beds: 28 bunk beds
How to book the hut: From May 1 to mid-November simply go to the visitor center in Mount Cook Village on the day of your hike to pay for the hut pass. All other times of the year you must book your stay on the DOC website well in advance.
Why is the hut special: The views of Mount Cook National Park from the Mueller Hut are seriously insane! Watching the sunset from the comfort of the hut’s kitchen windows is nothing short of extraordinary.
A tip for visiting: The Mueller Hut is very busy in the summer months and must be booked well in advance. It is one of the few huts in New Zealand that is open in winter and the best part is you don’t need to book the hut in advance (just be sure to ask the visitor center about avalanche risks before you leave, some days are safer than others to hike.)
We’ve written a ton about visiting Mount Cook National Park including specific topics like how to choose the best Mt Cook helicopter ride and we even revealed where the best photo locations are in Mt Cook!
2. Pouakai Hut
Location: The Pouakai Hut is located on the Pouakai Circuit hiking trail in Egmont National Park. From the parking lot on Mangoeri Road, it is a 6-kilometer (3.7 miles) hike that is mostly uphill gaining 700 meters (2,300 feet) in elevation. After spending a night in the hut you can continue on to complete the entire circuit or just return back down the way you came (the most popular route.)
Type of hut: The Pouakai Hut is a serviced hut.
Facilities: There are two pit toilets, cold water from a tap just outside of the hut, a wood burner for heat, and mattresses on the bunks.
Number of beds: 16 bunk beds
How to book the hut: The Pouakai Hut requires booking all year round. Book online on the DOC website to secure your bed.
Cost: $15.00 per night per adult, $7.50 per night for youth (11–17 years), children are free.
Why is the hut special: Just a short walk from the Pouakai Hut is the Pouakai Tarn. This is one of the most photographed lakes in New Zealand and it offers a beautiful reflection of Mount Taranaki.
A tip for visiting: If the hut is fully booked, consider packing your tent and camping. They have a camping area very close to the hut and the views of Mount Taranaki from there are even better than from the hut. You can read about it with our Pouaki Hut link above.
3. Brewster Hut
Location: You’ll find the Brewster Hut on the Brewster Track in Mount Aspiring National Park. From the parking lot on State Highway 6, it is a 5-kilometer-long (3.1 miles) hike that takes most people around 3-4 hours to complete (one way.)
Type of hut: The Brewster Hut is a serviced hut.
Facilities: The Brewster Hut has mattresses on bunk beds, a water supply from the tap (boil before using), and non-flush toilets.
Number of beds: 12 bunk beds
How to book the hut: If visiting between December 1 and April 30, you will have to book the hut online in advance. If visiting between the beginning of May and the end of November, bookings are not required. However, fees still apply and you must visit a DOC office before you leave to get a payment receipt. This receipt will be collected at the hut or deposited into an honesty box (depending on if a ranger is present or not.)
Cost: $30 per night per adult ($40/night starting July 1st, 2022), $10.00 per night for youth (5–17 years) ($20/night starting July 1st, 2022), children are free.
Why is the hut special: The Brewster Track is one of the most beautiful hikes on the South Island. Spending a night at the hut allows you more time to enjoy the track – plus the views from the hut are really spectacular!
A tip for visiting: Near the parking lot is Fantail Falls, a waterfall worth checking out before or after the hike. Also nearby on the same road are Thunder Creek Falls and the Blue Pools – two of the best places to visit on the South Island. Give yourself some time to properly explore this stunning area.
4. Luxmore Hut
Location: The Luxmore Hut is located on the Kepler Track (one of the 10 Great Walks in New Zealand.) From the designated parking lot it is a 13.8-kilometer-long (8.6 miles) hike to the hut that takes most people 4-6 hours to complete. The hut is located within Fiordland National Park and the track to get there is very close to the town of Te Anau.
Type of hut: The Luxmore Hut is a Great Walks hut.
Facilities: The Luxmore Hut is luxurious! In the large kitchen you’ll find running water in the sinks, gas, and stovetops, plenty of seating, heating, and even lighting. The bathrooms are inside and have running water from the taps as well as toilets that flush (yes!) You should also note that outside of the Great Walks season (end of October until the end of April) some facilities are not available and you should bring your own gas and cooker to cook with.
Number of beds: 54 bunk beds
How to book the hut: During the Great Walks season (end of October until the end of April), the hut must be booked in advance online. You should book the hut months in advance to avoid missing out. Outside of the Great Walks season, the fees are to be paid before you start the hike at a DOC visitor office. The closest one is located in Te Anau.
Cost: During the Great Walks season it costs $68 per adult per night to stay overnight in the Luxmore Hut while international adults will run $102 per person, per night. Those under 18 are free For NZ residents under 18 the cost is free but for those who are international, it will cost $51. Outside of the Great Walks season from 1 July to 25 October, all adults pay $15 per night, and from 1 May to 30 June it costs $25/night, during both of these time frames all children are free.
Why is the hut special: The views of Lake Te Anau and the Southern Alps are panoramic and stunning. There are also some pretty neat caves to explore nearby, Keas (an alpine parrot) often visit the hut, and it is very comfortable with plenty of facilities.
A tip for visiting: The Luxmore Hut is one of the most popular huts in New Zealand, and as such often is fully booked for the entire Great Walks season within hours of the booking system opening each year. If this is the case for you, use NZ Huts booking service, they will notify you as cancellations come through for your selected booking dates – such a helpful service!
A fun way to start and end your hike on the Kepler Track is with a pick-up and drop-off by a water taxi from Te Anau! This reliable and convenient service is the perfect way to access the trailhead and relax your tired legs when you are finished.
5. Moturau Hut
Location: On the Kepler Track in Fiordland National Park. From the Kepler Track parking lot, it is a 15.5-kilometer (9.6 miles) hike that is fairly flat and easy. From the Rainbow Reach parking lot, it is even shorter at 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) which only takes most people only 1-2 hours.
Type of hut: The Moturau Hut is a Great Walks Hut.
Facilities: The facilities at the Moturau Hut includes gas for cooking and heating (Great Walks season only), lighting in common areas, flush toilets that you need to walk outside to use, running water in both the kitchen and bathrooms, and mattresses on the bunks.
Number of beds: 40 bunk beds
How to book the hut: During the Great Walks season (end of October until the end of April), the hut must be booked in advance online. You should book the hut months in advance to avoid missing out. Outside of the Great Walks season, the fees are to be paid before you start the hike at a DOC visitor office. The closest one is located in Te Anau.
Cost: During the Great Walks season (end of October to end of April) it costs $68 per adult per night to stay overnight in the Luxmore Hut (under 18’s are free). For international visitors, it is $102 per adult and $51 a night per child. Outside of the Great Walks season, adults pay $15 per night.
Why is the hut special: It is located right on Lake Manapouri. Also, the hut warden during the Great Walks season is famed for being hilarious and offering entertaining information sessions about the history of the area.
A tip for visiting: Moturau Hut is the least booked hut on the Kepler Track (many people hiking the entire track skip it completely.) For that reason, you probably could snag a fairly last-minute booking and just hike to the hut from Rainbow Reach to spend one night in the hut. This would make for a fun overnight adventure and since the hike is easy, it would be suitable for families too.
As mentioned above for the Luxmore Hut, there is the option to book a water taxi to get you to the Kepler Track trailhead to reach the Moturau Hut since they have the same starting point. Why not make your entrance and return a bit more fun?
6. John Coull Hut
Location: The middle of nowhere. No seriously, the only way to get to John Coull Hut is by canoe or boat on the Whanganui River. It is located in Whanganui National Park you can reach it by canoe or kayak from the road access points along the river at Taumarunui (94.5 kilometers (58.7 miles) downstream) or Whakahoro (37.5 kilometers (23.3 miles) downstream.) Paddling this river is actually one of the Great Walks in NZ (even though it’s not actually a “walk” at all) and it’s called the Whanganui Journey.
Type of hut: John Coull Hut is Great Walks Huts.
Facilities: John Coull Hut has mattresses, a water supply from the tap (boil before using), non-flush toilets, heating, and cooking facilities. It’s important to note that some facilities are not available outside of the Great Walks seasons (cooking and heating in particular.)
Number of beds: 24 bunk beds
How to book the hut: During the Great Walks season, the hut must be booked in advance online. Outside of the Great Walks season, the fees are to be paid before you start the Whanganui Journey at a DOC visitor office. Bring the payment receipt with you when you stay in the hut.
Cost: During the Great Walks season it costs $30 per adult per night to stay overnight in John Coull Hut (under 18’s are $15 for international tourists or free for locals.) Outside of the Great Walks season, all adults pay $15 per night and those under 18 are free.
Why is the hut special: This is one of the most isolated huts in New Zealand. It is located right on the river where you can go for a swim and simply relax. No cell phone service here, just the sound of the Whanganui River and lots of birds.
A tip for visiting: If you’re not experienced in a kayak or canoe, I recommend doing the shorter 3-day version of the Whanganui Journey. This route starts at Whakahoro and you’ll stay in John Coull Hut on your first night. This is what I did!
7. Mintaro Hut
Location: Within Fiordland National Park on the famous Milford Track. Mintaro Hut is where most people stay on day two of their 4-day Milford Track hike. It’s located 21.5 kilometers (13.4 miles) from Glade Warf (the starting point of the hike.)
Type of hut: Great Walks hut.
Facilities: In the large kitchen you’ll find running water in the sinks (boil before drinking), gas stovetops, plenty of seating, heating, and even lighting. The bathrooms have running water from the taps as well as toilets that flush. You should also note that outside of the Great Walks season some facilities are not available and you should bring your own gas and cooker to cook with.
Number of beds: 40 bunk beds
How to book the hut: During the Great Walks season (end of October until the end of April), the hut must be booked in advance online. You should book the hut months in advance to avoid missing out. Outside of the Great Walks season, the fees are to be paid before you start the hike at a DOC visitor office. The closest one is located in Te Anau.
Cost: During the Great Walks season (end of October to end of April) it costs $78 per adult per night to stay overnight in the Mintaro Hut and international adults are $110. New Zealand residents under the age of 18 are free, but international visitors must pay $55. Outside of the Great Walks season, adults pay $15 per night and those under 18 are all free.
Why is the hut special: The Mintaro Hut is the highest elevation hut on the Milford Track. It offers views of Mount Balloon’s towering cliffs that often are covered in waterfalls during rainfall. It was also completely redone in 2020 so it is nice and new and comfortable!
A tip for visiting: The Milford Track huts are almost impossible to book during the Great Walks season. Seriously, it fully books every year within a couple of hours of the booking system opening. Consider using the website NZ Huts to secure your bookings if you find it is already full. They will notify you of cancellations, which happen frequently. Otherwise, be sure to know when the bookings open and be ready on your computer to book straight away!
8. Liverpool Hut
Location: From Raspberry Creek car parking lot on Wanaka Mt Aspiring Road, the hut is 15 km (9.3 mi) via the Liverpool Track. If coming from the Aspiring Hut, the Liverpool Hut is 6 km (3.7 mi) via the Liverpool Track.
Type of hut: The Liverpool Hut is a serviced hut.
Facilities: The Liverpool Hut has mattresses, a water supply from the tap (boil before using), non-flush toilets, and handwashing facilities.
Number of beds: 10 bunk beds
How to book the hut: If visiting between late October (Labour Weekend) and April 30, you will have to book your stay online in advance. If visiting between the beginning of May and the end of October, bookings are not required, however, fees will still be collected at the hut.
Cost: The fees are $20 per night for adults, $10 per night for NZ Alpine Club members and youth, and free admission for children (0-10 years).
Why is the hut special: The Liverpool Hut sits in a spectacular location, nestled on a small alpine basin. The trail leading to the hut offers fabulous views of Mount Aspiring to the north and the Matukuituki Valley to the west.
A tip for visiting: Try to arrive at the hut earlier in the day as while bookings are required, some hikers without a reservation may get past the park rangers along the trail and take your bunk.
Contributed by Ellie from Ellie’s Travel Tips
9. Bark Bay Hut
Location: Bark Bay Hut is next to the Bark Bay campground in the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park. No cars are allowed in Abel Tasman National Park, so you’ll need to access the hut either by walking or by taking a water taxi from Kaiteriteri Beach. There is a scheduled water-taxi stop in Bark Bay.
Type of hut: It’s a Great Walk Hut.
Facilities: The hut is basic with a wood-burner for heating, bunk beds, and flushing toilets. There are no gas cooking facilities or lighting, so you’ll need to bring candles and a portable stove and fuel with you. There’s a large lounge area, deck, and picnic tables outside. There’s also WiFi, filtered water, and a charging station available.
Number of beds: 34 bunks between two rooms.
How to book the hut: The hut needs to be booked in advance and bookings can be made online through the DOC website.
Cost: Fees are $42 a night per adult from October – April (international adults pay $56 per night), $32 per night from May – September, and $26 per night in July and August. New Zealand residents under 18 stay for free. International visitors under 18 pay $32 a night from October – April and can stay for free during all other months.
Why is the hut special: The hut is on a beautiful stretch of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. It has lovely sea views while being tucked into the bush. The beach is only a couple of hundred meters away from the hut.
A tip for visiting: Be sure to book well in advance as this hut is popular for school trips and camps as well as for people walking the Abel Tasman Coastal Track.
10. Waihohonu Hut
Location: Waihohonu Hut is located on the Tongariro Northern Circuit within Tongariro National Park. From Whakapapa Village it is either a 15.4-kilometer-long walk (9.6 miles) or a 29.8-kilometer-long (18.5 miles) walk depending on which direction you are walking the circuit. For this reason, it is a hut most people stay at either on their first or last night on the Tongariro Circuit.
Type of hut: Great Walk hut.
Facilities: During the Great Walks season the Waihohonu Hut has gas cooking facilities, heating, bunk beds, a resident hut warden, and non-flushing toilets. Gas and heating are not available outside of the Great Walks season.
Number of beds: 28 bunk beds
How to book the hut: During the Great Walks season (end of October until the end of April), the hut must be booked in advance online. Outside of the Great Walks season, the fees are to be paid before you start the hike at a DOC visitor office.
Cost: Fees are $37 a night per adult during the Great Walks season and $15 per night during all other months. New Zealand residents under 18 stay for free. International adults will pay $56 per night from October – April and internationals under 18 pay $28 a night and can stay for free during all other months.
Why is the hut special: The Waihohonu Hut is the most luxurious hut on the Tongariro Crossing. This hike is spectacular and one I highly suggest everyone does while in New Zealand. Volcanoes, bright blue lakes, and Lord of the Rings film locations are just some of the highlights. And this hut, well it is the perfect place to relax for a night after a long day of hiking.
A tip for visiting: There is a really nice wood-burning fireplace in this hut! Be sure to get it started if the hut warden hasn’t already – makes for the perfect warm place to enjoy your dinner and socialize with other hikers.
11. Routeburn Falls Hut
Location: The Routeburn Falls Hut on the Routeburn Track in Mount Aspiring National Park. From Routeburn Shelter (near Glenorchy) it is a 9.8-kilometer (6 miles) hike. For this reason, it is usually the first or last hut people stay at when completing the Routeburn Track (depending on where they start the trail.)
Type of hut: Great Walks hut.
Facilities: During the Great Walks season you’ll find gas cooking facilities, heating, lighting, bunk beds, a resident hut warden, and flushing toilets. Gas and heating are not available outside of the Great Walks season. This hut also has a large outside balcony with a view over the valley which is amazing!
Number of beds: 48 bunk beds
How to book the hut: During the Great Walks season, the hut must be booked in advance online. Outside of the Great Walks season, the fees are to be paid before you start the hike at a DOC visitor office.
Cost: Fees are $68 a night per adult during the Great Walks season from November through April ($102 nightly per international adult and $51 nightly per child), $15 per night during July and October, and $25 in May and June. New Zealand residents under 18 stay for free all year. International visitors under 18 can stay for free during all months outside of the Great Walks season.
Why is the hut special: To be honest, I’ve never stayed in this hut, but I have visited it on several occasions and even cooked lunch there before. It is a beautiful hut with tons of space. There are different rooms for sleeping, the bathrooms are clean and modern, and the kitchen is huge! The balcony overlooking the valley has some of the best views along the Routeburn Track. Even if you don’t want to hike the entire Routeburn Track, I recommend hiking up to the Routeburn Falls hut, spending one night, and then returning back to your car the next day.
A tip for visiting: If you aren’t hiking the entire Routeburn Track (only hiking to this hut and back again) be sure to walk a little further past the hut to the Routeburn Falls and Harris Saddle. These are both highlights along the trail and make staying in the hut totally worth it!
If you’re visiting New Zealand in the winter here is how to hike the Routeburn Track in the winter!
12. Pinnacles Hut
Location: In the Coromandel. The Pinnacles Hut is one of the best huts on the North Island. To get to the hut you must hike 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from the parking lot on Kauaeranga Road to reach the hut. This is known as the Pinnacles Walk (or formally called Kauaeranga Kauri Trail.)
Type of hut: Serviced hut.
Facilities: The hut is huge with tons of beds and rooms, cooking facilities, heating, lighting, non-flush toilets, and during the summer season, a resident hut warden.
Number of beds: 80 bunk beds!
How to book the hut: The Pinnacles Hut must be booked in advance. It’s best to book online, however for an extra $10 fee you can book in person or on the phone.
Cost: $25 per night per adult, $12.50 per night for youth (5–17 years), children are free.
Why is the hut special: The Pinnacles Walk is one of the most unique hikes in New Zealand. It has you climbing up a historic route used by kauri bushmen in the 1920s. You’ll pass Billy Goat Falls on the way and once at the hut, the view of the Coromandel from above is stunning.
A tip for visiting: Be sure to visit the Coromandel Lookout near the hut for sunrise. This is when the view is the best!
Related Read: While you’re in the Coromandel region be sure to visit both Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. Both of these are some of the best beaches in New Zealand!
13. Cape Brett Hut
Location: At the end of Cape Brett Track in the Bay of Islands in Northland. You must walk 16.3 kilometers (10.1 miles) to reach this hut. The trailhead is located a 30-kilometer (18.6 miles) drive from the town of Russell, otherwise, you can take a water taxi from either Russell or Paihia.
Type of hut: Serviced hut.
Facilities: Beds, a basic kitchen area (bring your own cooking equipment), and non-flush toilets. Water must be boiled before use, and sometimes during the summer months the water runs out, so be sure to check this with DOC before you leave and bring enough water if that is the case.
Number of beds: 23 bunk beds
How to book the hut: Cape Brett Hut must be booked in advance. It’s best to book online, however for an extra $10 fee you can book in person or on the phone.
Cost: $15 per night per adult, $7.50 per night for youth (11–17 years), children are free. All hikers must also pay a track fee which helps maintain the track (which is on Maori land). This fee is an additional $40 per adult and $20 per child.
Why is the hut special: Cape Brett Hut is actually a restored lighthouse keeper’s home. It is unique as it is located in one of the hottest regions in New Zealand known for its amazing beaches and islands.
A tip for visiting: Cape Brett Track is known as a challenging hike. Be sure you are up for the challenge (especially in the warm summer months) and bring plenty of water!
Related Read: While you’re in the area be sure to check out all of the best things to do in the Bay of Islands!
14. Aspiring Hut
Location: Aspiring Hut is located in the Matukituki Valley within Mount Aspiring National Park on the South Island. The closest town to Aspiring Hut is Wanaka, an hour’s drive away. This hut boasts epic views of Mount Aspiring, which is often covered in snow! It is accessible via the West Matukituki Track, a 6-hour (17.2 kilometers) one-way track, but the walk to the hut will take about 2.5 hours along this track. The trail is rated as intermediate/advanced and starts from the Raspberry Creek car park.
Type of Hut: Aspiring Hut is a serviced hut
Facilities: there is a decent-sized dining/cooking area with picnic tables, a kitchen counter as well as a food storage area. There is a non-flush toilet, water from a tap that you must boil before using, gas cooking facilities, as well as a wood burner for heat (you will need to bring your own newspaper/ firelighters/ matches to light the wood burner). This hut is solar-powered. It’s important to note that from May to late October there are no cooking facilities available at Aspiring Hut.
Number of beds: 27 bunk beds
How to book the hut: From May 1st to late October no booking is required and bunks are on a first-come-first-served basis. From early November to the end of April bookings are required and can be booked online here. It’s important to note that a $10 service fee applies to all phone, email, and in-person reservations at Mount Aspiring Visitor Centre.
Cost: for stays between 1st November to 30th April – $40 per night per adult, $15 for children aged 11-17 years, children under 11 are free. For stays between 1st May to late October – $25 per night per adult, $15 for children aged 11-17 years, those under 11 are free.
Why is the hut special: the views of both the Matukituki Valley and Mount Aspiring are breathtaking, especially when there’s still a dusting of snow on the top of the mountains.
A tip for visiting: the start of the track to Aspiring Hut is just 60 kilometers (37.2 miles) from the scenic town of Wanaka, there are loads to do in Wanaka, so it’s advisable to spend a night or two here before or after your hike.
15. Sunrise Hut
Location: the Sunrise Hut is located at the top of the Ruahine mountain range in Ruahine Forest Park, which is near the town of Hawkes Bay on the North Island. The hut can be accessed via two walking tracks. The first and the easiest is the 6.4-kilometer (4 miles) Sunrise Track which is rated as easy and will take most people 2-3 hours to complete. The second is a much more difficult hike – the Smiths Stream Hut Track is an advanced track and takes approximately 4 hours (6 kilometers) each way. Both tracks start from the North Block Road car park.
Type of Hut: Sunrise Hut is a serviced hut
Facilities: there is a kitchen counter with sinks, two picnic-style tables for dining, a long drop toilet, a tanked water supply, and a wood burner for heat. There are no cooking facilities at Sunrise Hut here but it is possible to use the wood burner as a cooker..
Number of beds: 20 bunk beds
How to book the hut: for stays between late October to 30th April you can book online here. It’s important to note that a $10 service fee applies to all phone, email, and in-person reservations at the Napier Visitor Centre. Outside of these dates, the hut operates on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Cost: for stays from Sunday to Friday – $15 per adult per night, $7.50 per night for children between 11 and 17 years, under 10’s are free. For a Saturday night stay – $20 per adult per night, $10 per child between 11-17 years, and children under 10 are free.
Why is the hut special: because the hut is situated at 1280 meters (4,200 feet) above sea level, there are excellent views from here of the Hawke’s Bay area. In fact, the sunrises from this hut are exceptional. In addition, in the winter, there is typically snow on the ground around the hut!
A tip for visiting: from Sunrise Hut you can hike up to the Armstrong Saddle for great views of Mount Ruapehu. The hike will take 30 minutes each way. Beware though, it can get pretty windy up on the saddle.
Renting a Car or Campervan in New Zealand
The first step to planning your New Zealand road trip is choosing your set of wheels! Most people rent a campervan or motorhome to get around, but you can also just rent a normal car and stay in hotels (as opposed to camping.)
You can search for rental cars online with Discover Cars in advance to compare car models and prices. We’ve used this website all over the world and if you want more details, read our honest review of Discover Cars for more details!
You can also do this with motorhomes and campervans on a website called Motorhome Republic. It shows all of the available campervans and motorhomes for your specific New Zealand road trip dates. You can compare prices and company reviews here too!
JUCY is our personal favorite campervan rental company in NZ. We love JUCY because they have such a range of both cars and campervans available, so you’re pretty much guaranteed to find something to suit your budget and travel style.
We’ve actually secured an exclusive discount code for our readers with JUCY. Just click here to browse their availability and use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off! What a good deal!
You can check prices, availability and book with JUCY online here.
Star RV is another company we personally recommend but specifically for motorhomes! They offer larger motorhomes (as opposed to budget campervans) at really reasonable rates.
Star RV has actually given us a discount code for our readers too! Use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off your motorhome rental! Click here to browse availability, prices, and book with our discount code!
Note: For both Star RV and JUCY, no discounts or promotions will be applied for pickups from December 15, 2024 to February 28, 2025 for New Zealand and Australia. But for the entire rest of the year, the discount is yours!
Thanks for reading!
There really are some special huts in New Zealand. Not only do huts make overnight hikes easier and more comfortable, but they are located in some of the most beautiful locations in New Zealand!
I hope this blog has helped you add a few New Zealand huts to your bucket list. If you have any questions, please comment below so we can try and help you. Otherwise, be sure to check out some of our most popular blogs about hiking and New Zealand:
11 Best Day Hikes in Queenstown