Wilderness huts in Canterbury Region

Wilderness Huts and Alpine Shelters

Explore a network of backcountry shelters across Canterbury’s Southern Alps and high country. This collection includes historic stone huts like Crooked Spur, high-altitude alpine lodges such as Kelman Hut at 2,480 meters, and essential stops along the Te Araroa trail. These structures range from basic four-bunk bivouacs to larger serviced huts on the Mt Somers Track, providing critical shelter for hikers, climbers, and mountain bikers navigating the region’s rugged wilderness terrain.

Pavel Špindler / CC BY 3.0

Mueller Hut

Situated at 1,800 meters in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, this 28-bunk hut offers views of the Mueller Glacier. It requires bookings during the peak summer season.

Hilltop

Small alpine shelter located in the high country terrain of the Godley Valley area.

Royal Hut

A 10-bunk hut on the Te Araroa trail in the Cass Valley. It is known for having hosted Prince Charles during a visit in 2005.

Crooked Spur Hut

Historic stone hut built in the 1930s, located on the Te Araroa trail within the Bush Stream area.

Stone Hut

A 10-bunk DOC hut in the Macaulay Valley, frequently used by hikers and 4WD enthusiasts.

Tristram Harper Memorial Shelter

Remote alpine shelter providing emergency cover in the upper Godley Valley.

Kidson Lodge

Private lodge accommodation located near the Bealey River in the Arthur's Pass region.

Wharfedale Hut

An 8-bunk DOC hut in the Oxford Forest Conservation Park, accessible via the Wharfedale Track.

Kelman Hut

High-altitude mountaineering hut situated at 2,480 meters on the upper Tasman Glacier.

Woolshed Creek Hut

A 26-bunk serviced hut on the Mt Somers Track, featuring a wood burner and large deck.

Pinnacles Hut

A 19-bunk serviced hut located near the volcanic rock formations of the Mt Somers Track.

Casey Hut

A 12-bunk hut in Arthur's Pass National Park, rebuilt in 2020 after the original structure was destroyed by fire.

Hideaway Hut

A basic 4-bunk hut located in the remote Ahuriri Conservation Park.

Paterson Lodge

Club lodge situated in the Arthur's Pass area, providing group accommodation.

hike and sleep under rock

Natural rock bivouac providing basic shelter for experienced backcountry hikers.

Branch Cottage

A basic 4-bunk hut located in the Branch River catchment within the Leatham Conservation Area.

Townsend Hut

A 6-bunk hut located at 1,340 meters on the Minchin Pass route in Arthur's Pass National Park.

Snowy Gorge Hut

A basic 4-bunk hut in the Ahuriri Conservation Park, accessible via the Snowy Gorge track.

Camp Stream Hut

Historic 6-bunk hut built in 1898, serving as a key stop on the Te Araroa trail in the Two Thumb Range.

Johns Motel and Holiday Park

Commercial holiday park located near Christchurch Airport, offering powered campsites, cabins, and Wi-Fi access.

Other Lists

Canterbury Region's Unmissable Highlights Hidden Gems Majestic Mountains and Peaks Glaciers and Waterfalls Best Viewpoints and Scenic Spots Notable Christian Sites Parks and Recreational Areas