Manson Nicholls Memorial Hut

Image: DOC

Manson Nicholls Memorial Hut

Located in Lewis Pass Scenic Reserve in the West Coast region

Introduction

The hut will close from 29 April 2019 to early 2020 while a new hut is built. The site will remain open for day visitors and campers.

Hut overview

Easy walk from road end

1-3 hours

Category

  • Category
Serviced

Bookings

  • Bookings

Bookings not required - first come, first served

Facilities

  • Heating
  • Mattresses
  • Toilets - non-flush
  • Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
24 bunk beds

About this hut

Manson Nicholls Memorial Hut sits on the edge of Lake Daniell. Swim in the shallow lake in the summer or fish for trout.

Facilities

  • Bunks in 2 bunkrooms
  • Water source - cold water from rain collection tank
  • Heating - wood burner with coal provided in the winter
  • Space for camping outside the hut. Camping is also possible a little further around the lake in the open forest.
  • Jetty
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

Heritage

The Manson-Nicholls Memorial Hut was constructed by volunteers in memory of three young trampers who lost their lives in this area in 1974.  Brian and Sharon Manson and Phillip Nicholls were killed by a landslide while they sheltered from appalling weather in the old Lake Daniell Fishing Club Hut.

This old hut was located on the opposite side of the lake but it was decided that the current site would be most suitable for the new hut.  The new hut that stands today was constructed by members of the Christchurch Tramping Club and The Lake Daniell's Fishing Club and was completed in 1976. 

Getting there

Time from nearest road end
  • SH7, 5 km east of Springs Junction: 3 hr on Lake Daniell Track

Tracks to the hut

Location

Topo50 map sheet: BT23
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1541459, N5316142

Fees

Hut tickets or a Backcountry Hut Pass must be used from 1 May to 30 September.

Hut fees
  • Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
  • Youth (11 - 17 years): $7.50 per night
  • Child/Infant (0 - 10 years): free

Before you go, buy 1 Serviced Hut Ticket (green for adults, orange for youth) or 3 Standard Hut Tickets (blue for adults, yellow for youth) for each night's stay. Put these in the honesty box at the hut. Or buy a Backcountry Hut Pass for unlimited use at most Serviced and Standard huts for a 6 or 12 month period.

Fees to camp at the hut
  • 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 for unlimited use at most Serviced and Standard huts for a 6 or 12 month period.

Read more about hut tickets and passes 

Contacts

Reefton i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Phone:   +64 3 732 8391
Fax:   +64 4 471 1117
Email:   reefton@i-site.org
Address:   67–69 Broadway
Reefton
Postal Address:   PO Box 100
Reefton 7851
Māwhera / Greymouth Office
Phone:   +64 3 768 0427
Fax:   +64 4 471 1117
Email:   greymouth@doc.govt.nz
Address:   17 High Street
Greymouth 7805
Postal Address:   PO Box 370
Greymouth 7840
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