Hamilton Hut | Craigieburn Forest Park
Hamilton Hut is surprisingly spacious accommodation, with two separate sleeping areas and an enormous central fireplace that is not used but houses a large woodburner. There are lots of benches and bench space, and it’s quite different in character to the historic huts, Cass Saddle and West Harper that are on either side of it.
It’s set on a river terrace facing north, so it gets much sun during the day and also a decent view back to Cass Saddle. Watch for the keas, which can come for a visit.
The last of the forest style huts heading south on Te Araroa. They tend to be predominantly old sheep musterers’ huts out in tussock lands as you progress further south.
category . . . serviced hut
hut fee . . . From 1 July 2026
Peak summer 1 December to 29 February | Friday & Saturday
Adult (18+ years): $34 per night
Child/youth (5–17 years): $17.00 per night
Infant: (0-4 years): free
Peak summer 1 December to 29 February | Sunday to Thursday
Adult (18+ years): $29.00 per night
Child/Youth (5-17 years): $14.50 per night
Infant (0-4 years): free
Summer 1 October to 30 April | Friday & Saturday
Adult (18+ years): $32 per night
Child/youth (5–17 years): $16.00 per night
Infant: (0-4 years): free
Summer 1 October to 30 April | Sunday to Thursday
Adult (18+ years): $28.00 per night
Child/Youth (5-17 years): $14.00 per night
Infant (0-4 years): free
Off-season 1 May to 30 September | Sunday to Thursday
Adult (18+ years): $25.00 per night
Child/youth (5–17 years): $12.50 per night
Infant: (0-4 years): free
Backcountry Hut Passes are valid for use in this hut from 1 May to 30 September. How to pay with your Backcountry Hut Pass.
booking . . . required all year for hut but not campsite, book here
campsite fee . . . From 1 July 2026
Adult (18+ years): $15.00 per night
Youth (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
Child/Infant (0–4years): free
Fees for camping are paid with hut tickets, a Backcountry Hut Pass, or a Campsite Pass. A Backcountry Hut Pass is valid for camping year-round. Campsites can’t be booked.
Before you go, buy 1 Standard Hut Ticket (blue for adults, red for youth) for each night of your stay. Put this in the honesty box at the hut.
Campers may use the hut’s water supply and toilets.
elevation . . . 820 m
bunks . . . 20
built . . . 1983
heating . . . wood burner
water . . . tap above sink, from rainwater tank
toilet . . . longdrop
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