Book-a-bed option to be trialled at popular huts in Makarora Valley

Date:  05 October 2017

“From 1 December 2017 until 8 April 2018, you’ll be able to book beds at Siberia and Brewster huts on the DOC website,” DOC Central Otago Operations Manager Mike Tubbs says.

Brewster and Siberia huts both sit in the northern end of Mount Aspiring National Park.

Last season, the popular huts were increasingly at and over capacity for overnight trampers, meaning some people were arriving at the huts after a long day only to find they’d missed out on a bunk", Mr Tubbs says. 

“We want people to be safe and comfortable; having a booking system means we can ensure the correct hut capacity is maintained and provide trampers with a guarantee of a bed at these huts.”

“Siberia Hut is a popular destination for those traversing the 2-4 day backcountry Gillespie Pass Circuit while Brewster Hut is a base for mountaineers wishing to explore the alpine tops,” Mr Tubbs says.

Making a booking will be the only way to guarantee a bed. Hut wardens will be present at Siberia Hut and periodically at Brewster Hut for the duration of the booking trial.

“We expect people to plan and prepare well for their trip”, Mr Tubbs says. “However, safety is our number one priority and if you are caught out it’s important to know that you can seek shelter at these huts.”

The cost of staying at the hut has not changed – it is still $15 per adult per night ($7.50 for those aged between 5 and 17 years). Online bookings can be made at from 13 November 2017. Annual hut pass holders can use their hut pass number to create a booking for the Siberia Hut by contacting any DOC booking office. Hut Passes are not valid for Brewster Hut. 

Bookings will be available for one season on a trial basis. After the trial, a decision will be made regarding future use of a booking system for each hut. 

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