• The hut was extended in 1975. Not so sure it was justified. | Top Hope Hut, Lake Sumner Forest Park
  • A shady setting in winter due to the trees. Good views. | Top Hope Hut, Lake Sumner Forest Park
  • It's similar to nearby St Jacobs Hut with a partition with the kitchen bench. | Top Hope Hut, Lake Sumner Forest Park

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45 almost epic adventures on the South Island & Rakiura

Top Hope Hut | Lake Sumner Forest Park

Nice, if shady location. Too far up the Hope River to be much use to fishermen, it is handy accommodation for those wanting to visit the hot pools further up the valley. Apparently, visiting the South Island’s 16 open-air hot pools is a thing these days.

An extended version of the New Zealand Forest Service SF 70 hut, which has a woodburner installed, finally, after a period without heating. Residents will be unlikely to be disturbed, unless visiting during The Roar.

+++++horizontal rule+++++

category . . . basic hut

hut fee . . . free

elevation . . . 710 m

bunks . . . 6 mattresses

built . . . 1963, extended 1975

heating . . . woodburner

water . . . tap on 450 litre rainwater tank

toilet . . . longdrop