Northern access to the hut is via the Rainbow Road. This is a toll road with access restrictions – see Rainbow Station for details. There are no restrictions on the roads from the south.
Check road conditions
Severe weather has damaged many roads in Marlborough and Kaikoura. Before you travel, check the latest road updates:
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
- Youth (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
- Child/Infant (0–4 years): free
Bookings
Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2027.
- If no availability shows online for your dates, the hut is fully booked.
- No spaces are kept for visitors arriving without a booking.
- Phone and in‑person bookings made at a visitor centre incur a $10 service fee.
- Same‑day bookings are available online until 8 pm if spaces remain.
Location
NZTopo50 map sheet: BS25
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1585608, N5333933
Nelson Lakes National Park Visitor Centre
| Phone: | +64 3 521 1806 |
| Email: | nelsonlakesvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: | View Road St Arnaud 7072 |
| Hours: | Visitor centre hours and services |
Nelson/Tasman/Marlborough information
| Phone: | +64 3 546 9339 |
| Email: | nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz |
| About: | Whakatū/Nelson visitor services provide information for this area |