Located in Fiordland National Park in the Fiordland region
In the Great Walks season (27 October 2020 – 30 April 2021):
Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2021 – 26 October 2021):
This is one of three DOC Great Walk huts on the Milford Track – the Clinton, Mintaro and Dumpling.
This hut offers stunning views of the steep-sided Clinton Valley and a welcome rest before the Mackinnon Pass climb the next day.
In the Great Walks season:
Outside the Great Walks season:
In the Great Walks season (27 October 2020 – 30 April 2021):
New Zealand citizens, those ordinarily resident in New Zealand*:
International visitors:
Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2021 – 26 October 2021):
Walking the track outside the Great Walk season should only be attempted by fit, experienced and well equipped trampers.
For all visitors:
"Ordinarily resident in New Zealand" means those:
Proof of eligibility will be required for the New Zealand rate. Acceptable eligibility proof.
Bookings are required in the Great Walks season.
This hut is the second DOC hut on the Milford Track, at the head of the Clinton Valley, Fiordland.
NZTopo50 map sheet: CB08
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1187277, N5025130
The Mintaro Hut on the Milford Track could pose a risk in the event of a severe earthquake.
A GNS (seismic research institute) assessment has concluded that an earthquake of 7.5 magnitude or greater on the Alpine Fault or Fiordland subduction zone could trigger large rockfall onto Mintaro Hut.
Because of this, recent expert advice has assessed the risk to hut users staying overnight as higher than the average visitor might expect. We are informing visitors so you can make your own decision on whether to proceed with the walk.
Mintaro Hut is more than 30 years old and is near one of the most challenging parts of the Milford Track. The risk level has not increased over the years – our understanding of the geology of the area has.
Because of this, DOC has begun work on replacing the hut, that has included research and monitoring of nearby sites to ensure any new site has a significantly lower rockfall risk.
The hut is located in a rockfall zone which could be triggered by a large earthquake.
New Zealand, particularly in areas along the alpine fault such as Fiordland, is prone to earthquake and seismic activity. The likelihood of an earthquake of a magnitude that could trigger a rockfall in that area is estimated at 1% per year, with 15–20% probability of occurring in the next 15 years.
The Milford Track and Mintaro Hut remain open. Like any outdoor activity in New Zealand, it is up to individual users whether they want to accept the level of risk and continue with their walking plans.
The nature of the landscape of Fiordland where the Milford Track is located, means no matter where you are, there will always be some element of risk. The New Zealand outdoors is full of risks – weather events, earthquakes and other hazardous conditions can and do happen anywhere at anytime.
A new site has been identified approximately 2 km from the current location. It is expected that the new Mintaro Hut will be open iat the end of April 2021.
Te Rua-o-te-moko / Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre | |
Phone: | +64 3 249 7924 |
Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
Email: | fiordlandvc@doc.govt.nz |
Address: |
Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre Lakefront Drive Te Anau 9600 |
Postal Address: |
PO Box 29 Te Anau 9640 |
Full office details |