Top Hut
Basic/bivvies hutHakatere Conservation Park, CanterburyOpen
- Sleeps
- 10 bunks
- Booking
- Not bookable
- Heating
- Yes
- Drinking water
- Not drinkable
- Toilet
- None
Getting there
We have not checked a road end or car park for this place yet, so we do not give driving directions to it. Check how to get there before you go. Some routes cross private land and need the landowner's permission.
How to get there, on doc.govt.nzWalking time 2–3 hours from Boundary Creek Hut to Top Hut.
Access to Top Hut is also available via permission and a small charge from Arrowsmith station.
This is a backcountry hut with no DOC track access. You will need to plan your route and navigate yourself, using aids like a map, compass and GPS. Learn navigation skills.
- Topo map
- Topo50 sheet BW17
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map and tracks
Track lines: DOC Te Papa Atawhai. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 43.42078° S, 171.02891° E
About this place
This is a basic 10-bunk hut in the Mid and South Canterbury area.
On the way here
Ahuriri Valley Track · 6 hr one way
Hagens Hut to Top Hut
Time: 2 hr one way
4.5 km The track is a bit rougher to Top Hut. In good conditions trampers can cross the range into South Huxley Valley or South Temple Valley.
Shamrock Hut to Hagens Hut
Time: 1 - 2 hr
Track category: Intermediate/Grade 3 km From Shamrock Hut the track descends gently to Ahuriri River. Look out for marker poles on the other side of the river (true left). You need to cross the river and pick up the good track that is marked on the river flats. You then need to cross the river once again to reach Hagens Hut. Some mountain bikers do carry on to Top Hut (2 hr ride) but it requires a bit of bike pushing as there is no well-formed track. This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code : respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Know before you go
Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams
If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross. Do not cross if the river or stream 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. How to cross rivers safely NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Fees and bookings
Free
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Top Hut
Basic/bivvies • 2 bunks • Canterbury • 134.4 km
Top Hut is a basic two-bunk hut located in the Mackenzie Country and Waitaki area of Canterbury.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Hagens Hut
Standard • 4 bunks • Canterbury • 138.2 km
Hagens Hut is a standard four-bunk hut located in the Mackenzie Country and Waitaki area of Canterbury.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Shamrock Hut
Standard • 2 bunks • Canterbury • 142.7 km
Shamrock Hut is a standard two-bunk hut located in the Mackenzie Country and Waitaki area of Canterbury.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Walks nearby
Contact
DOC Customer Service Centre
Regional DOC service centre.
Notes from people who have been
No notes yet. If you have been, say what you found.
Something missing or out of date?
Closed, moved, wrong facts, or something we have missed? Travellers keep the Road Guide up to date. Tell us what you found at contribute@parkup.nz and we will check it and add it.
Ask us to take this down
A person reads every request. We do not remove a place until we have checked it.
Sources
- OpenStreetMap Huts · ODbL (Open Database License)Contains information from OpenStreetMap, made available under the ODbL.
- DOC Huts (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).
- DOC Huts · CC BY 4.0Data sourced from the Department of Conservation (DOC), New Zealand.