Whymper Hut

Butler Junction Hut – Whymper Hut tramping track

Time: 4 hr

The track follows Butler River on the true right bank before crossing Butler Junction swing bridge. Turn right at the sign-posted intersection and travel in the bush until reaching an unnamed creek. The track descends across a slip and side-creek, and enters the bush again close to the Whataroa River. The track alternates between bush and riverbed travel up to Rocky Creek and then crosses the Whataroa River over Rocky Creek swing bridge. The track continues up the true left bank along shingle river flats, with markers at the bush edges, crossing four main creeks that also become avalanche chutes during winter and spring. Avalanche debris may still cross the track into summer. The track then emerges onto an obvious open area towards the headwaters before climbing steeply up an old moraine wall on the true left to reach Whymper Hut (six bunks). This track crosses several known avalanche paths. During heavy snow conditions, do not travel in this area unless sufficiently equipped and experienced to assess the conditions.