In this section:

Places to stay

The Department of Conservation huts on the track are serviced with coal fires for heating only. All huts have mattresses. There is running water in summer months at all huts. Trampers should carry their own cookers as gas stoves are not provided. 

Hut wardens are present on the tracks from late October until mid April. A Backcountry Hut Pass or Backcountry Tickets must be purchased in advance from a Department of Conservation office or approved outlet. Trampers are expected to leave the huts clean and tidy, and to pack out what they pack in, as there are no rubbish disposal facilities on the tracks.


Mid Caples Hut. Photo: Robert Hawke.

Mid Caples Hut

This is a serviced 12-bunk hut in the Wakitipu area.

Upper Caples Hut. Photo: Robert Hawke.

Upper Caples Hut

This is a serviced 12-bunk hut in the Wakitipu area.

McKellar Hut. Photo: Robert Hawke.

McKellar Hut

This is a serviced 12-bunk hut in the Wakitipu area.

Greenstone Hut. Photo: Robert Hawke.

Greenstone Hut

This is a serviced 20-bunk hut in the Wakitipu area.

Camping is permitted along the bush edge, 50 metres from the track. You cannot camp on McKellar Saddle or on the open valley floors of the Caples or Greenstone Valleys - this is private land. To camp by any of the four huts there is a fee of $5 per night for adults and $2.50 per night for children – if camping here please use the hut toilet. If camping elsewhere please bury all human waste carefully.

Fires are only to be lit in recognised fireplaces. Do not cut down or use live vegetation. Make sure the fire is out before leaving the area. Keep fires small and have billies of water nearby.
 
Weather

NZ weather

Maps

New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres

Information

Track category definitions

Plan and prepare for your trip

The Great Walks

Stop the spread of didymo
Check, Clean, Dry
all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.

Safety

Safety information

Always contact the nearest visitor centre for the latest information about facilities and conditions.

Check the Otago important visitor notices and track updates

Contact
Queenstown Regional Visitor Centre
Phone:      +64 3 442 7935
Address:   38 Shotover Street
Queenstown 9300
Email:   queenstownvc@doc.govt.nz
Full office details