Manson-Nicholls Memorial Hut | Lewis Pass National Reserve
Note that this hut is currently being rebuilt, and is expected to be opened for business in mid-February 2020.
It is still possible to camp in the hut clearing, however. It’s a great spot.
This hut was built in 1976 by the Christchurch Tramping Club and Lake Daniells Fishing Club as a memorial to 3 trampers who died when a rockfall destroyed a previous Lake Daniells Fishing Club hut that was located on the other side of the lake.
It’s an easy flat walk in, on a well-constructed track. There is a picturesque lake right out the front. Intensive trapping over many years has resulted in a profusion of birdlife, including kākā, and kākāriki.
Plenty of decent camping spots, and proximity to the highway SH7 make this a pleasant spot for families and inquisitive tourists on a day trip.
By the way, Daniells was changed to the singular Daniell by the New Zealand Geographic Board Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa in 2007.
category . . . serviced hut
hut fee . . . 3 hut tickets or backcountry hut pass, 1 hut ticket to camp
elevation . . . 570 m
bunks . . . 24 mattresses in total, on two sleeping platforms in two bunkrooms
built . . . 1976
heating . . . wood burner
water . . . tap above inside sink from 2000 litre rainwater tank
toilet . . . 2 x composting toilet, foot cranked!
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