Coldwater Hut, Lake Rotoiti
Image: Nelson Tasman Tourism | Creative Commons

Coldwater Hut

Located in Nelson Lakes National Park in the Nelson/Tasman region

Introduction

Coldwater Hut provides a good overnight tramp for families with children and those new to tramping. It can also be reached by water taxi.

Hut overview

Category

Standard

Bookings

Bookings not required - first come, first served

Facilities

  • Heating
  • Mattresses
12 bunk beds

Seasonal restrictions

During school holidays and public holidays this hut can be busy or full.

About this hut

Coldwater Hut sits at 620 m on the edge of Lake Rotoiti.

From the hut, walk to the swingbridge over the Travers River (2 hr return) or to Whisky Falls via Lakeside Track (1 hr 30 min - 2 hr return)

Facilities

  • Bunks - platform (shared) bunks with mattresses
  • Water source - cold water from rain collection tank or from the lake
  • Heating - wood burner (firewood not provided)
  • Jetty
  • Space for camping outside the hut
Huts have basic facilities. You'll need to take:
  • Sleeping bag
  • Cooking stove, pots/pans and utensils
  • Toilet paper
  • Rubbish bag
  • Newspaper/firelighters and matches/lighter for the wood burner/fire
  • Torch

Getting there

Times from nearest access points and huts
  • St Arnaud via Lakeside Track and Mount Robert Road (Lake Rotoiti Circuit): 3 hr 30 min
  • Mount Robert Road end via Lakeside Track (Lake Rotoiti Circuit): 2 hr 30 min
  • Lakehead Hut: 50 min across Travers River (no bridge) or 3 hr via swingbridge up Travers valley (Lake Rotoiti Circuit)
  • John Tait Hut: 5 hr
  • Angelus Hut via Cascade Route: 6 hr

Coldwater Hut can also be reached by water taxi from the end of the lake at St Arnaud. The jetty for drop-off or pick-up is directly in front on the hut.

Tracks to the hut

Location

NZTopo50 map sheet: BS24
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1584712, N5364523

Fees

  • Adult (18+ years): $5 per night
  • Youth (11 - 17 years): $2.50 per night
  • Child/Infant (0 - 10 years): free

Before you go, buy 1 Standard Hut Ticket (blue for adults, yellow for youth) for each night's stay. Put this in the honesty box at the hut. Or buy a Backcountry Hut Pass that gives unlimited use at most Standard and Serviced huts for a 6 or 12 month period.

Read more about hut tickets and passes | Find retailers that sell hut tickets

Know before you go

Note: Coldwater Hut is a different location to Coldwater Campsite.

Nelson Lakes - thefts from vehicles

Isolated carparks are prone to theft. Don't leave any valuables in your vehicle. A bag storage facility is available at the Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre. 

Contacts

Rotoiti / Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre
Phone:   +64 3 521 1806
Email:   nelsonlakesvc@doc.govt.nz
Address:   View Road
St Arnaud
Full office details
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