Image gallery
This hut is owned and maintained by the Backcountry Trust. It is available for the public to use.
The hut has booked sleeping space for four people. In good weather many people camp along these tops and if the weather turns bad there is emergency bunk space around the table.
The new Brass Monkey Hut was completed in June 2025. It replaces a 1970s two bunk biv. The new hut was built with a bequest from the late Jackie Winters to build an inspirational place in the Southern Alps.
The hut is managed by the Backcountry Trust. Hut fees support biodiversity and recreation work in the Lewis Pass area.
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $25 per night
- Youth (5–17 years): $12.50 per night
- Child/Infant (0–4 years): free
Backcountry Hut Passes and Backcountry Hut Tickets cannot be used at this hut.
Bookings
Brass Monkey Hut sits on the junction of several tracks. If the weather is fine it can be reached in a 7-8 hour walk across the tops from Lewis Pass. A marked route through beech forest leads to the open easy tops along an unmarked route. The route is exposed and traverses over the peaks of the Apprentice and Lucretia before dropping down to the hut.
The best wet weather route heads down into Duchess Stream where a marked track can be located and this track is followed down to the Nina Hut track. Time 4-5 hours.
Two other routes can be used to the hut. The Rough Creek Track can also be used but also involves an extended across the open tops and requires good weather and navigation skills. Time 5-6 hours.
The route from Lucretia Biv is also commonly used to reach Brass Monkey Hut. Time: 4 hours.
Location
Topo50 map sheet: BU22
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1543617, N5303449
The new hut has been engineered for the high wind zone. It uses solar technology to power a digital sensor system to monitor building performance at this challenging site.
This research will inform future approaches to building alpine huts and users are asked not to tamper with the electronics panel near the bookshelf.
The hut has storage for the local volunteer biodiversity group. Do not tamper with the lockable storage for this group.
Stay safe when crossing rivers
If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.
Do not cross if the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.
Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre
| Phone: | +64 3 731 1895 |
| Email: | paparoavc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: | 4294 Coast Road Punakaiki RD 1 Runanga 7873 |
| Hours: | Visitor centre hours and services |