Balloon Hut | Kahurangi National Park
The Balloon Hut area of the Tablelands has a long history of occupation by Europeans, first the gold miners, then shepherds, and now by trampers. The first hut was built in 1909. This version was constructed in 1963, but was altered in 1995 when the bunk configuration was created, the large verandahs added, etc. Recently, the gas heating was replaced by a standard DOC woodburner by the Waimea Tramping Club.
Although the views from the hut site are limited, during the walk over to Lake Peel they are extensive, both into the heart of Kahurangi National Park, and east to the Back of Mt Arthur, the Richmond Range, and down into the Cobb Valley.
category . . . serviced hut
hut fee . . . From 1 July 2026
Hut | 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
Hut | 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
Hut | 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
Hut | 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
Hut | 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 . . . 1260 m
bunks . . . 14 mattresses
built . . . 1963, renovated and verandah 1995, wood burner and woodshed 2016
heating . . . woodburner, woodshed with wood supplied
cooking . . . the gas stove has been removed. Bring your own cooker.
water . . . tap above exterior sink on verandah, from 3200-litre rainwater tank
toilet . . . longdrop with hand flush
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