Image: John Cocks | ©
Leaning Lodge Hut
Leaning Lodge Hut

Located in Rock and Pillar Conservation Area in the Otago region

This alpine hut is located on the Rock and Pillar Range in Coastal Otago.

The hut is owned by the Otago Tramping and Mountaineering Club (OTMC) and managed by the Leaning Lodge Trust.

Altitude: 1220 m

Lighting – solar

  • The hut must be left clean and tidy and all rubbish taken with you.
  • Ensure you allow time to arrive at the hut well before dark, so you can find water and the location of the toilet.
  • Fill in the hut book with the names, date of stay and intentions so if required Search and Rescue parties can use the information if your plans change once you have started your trip

Water

Available from a stream nearby. Boil all water before use.

History

The original hut was built by the Otago Ski Club in 1958, and named Leaning Lodge on account of its sloping floor.  Then, the site was known as the Castle Rock ski field.  A rope tow and tow shed were also built then.

The new hut was opened in 2024.

Fees

  • Adult (18+ years): $16 per night
  • Child/Youth (5–17 years): $8 per night
  • Infant (0–4 years): Free

Backcountry Hut Passes and Backcountry Hut Tickets cannot be used at this hut.

Bookings

Booking are required all year. 

Book Leaning Lodge Hut online

Starts from the DOC carpark at Kinvara Station. Up what looks like a private driveway just south of Lug Creek, about 9 km north of from Middlemarch.

The carpark is not marked from the main highway.

Follow Kinvara Road track.

Take the left-hand turn off at 7.8 km and follow the road for a further 1.2 km to the hut.

Tracks to this hut

Location

Rock and Pillar Conservation Area

Topo50 map sheet CD16, E1372100, N4966354

The hut is in an alpine environment. Weather is subject to rapid change, and conditions may be icy/slippery. Crampons may be required.

If accessing by vehicle

Kinvara Road is suitable for 4WD vehicles. Vehicles must keep to the road to preserve the environment.

Private property

The Kinvara Road passes through a deer farm before reaching the conservation area at 900 m above sea level. Fawns are present from mid-November to mid-December – it is recommended that you use an alternative access route to the Rock and Pillar Conservation Area during this time.

Stay safe in the outdoors

  1. Choose the right trip for you. Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it.
  2. Understand the weather. Check weather forecasts. 
  3. Pack warm clothes and extra food. Check gear lists. 
  4. Share your plans and take ways to get help. Share directly or use the Outdoor Intentions form or Plan My Walk. Take a distress beacon. 
  5. Take care of yourself and each other.