John Reid Hut | Kahurangi National Park

The John Reid Hut is a 1200 m undulating climb, mostly climb, from the Wangapeka River. The view of Mt Owen is outstanding, it’s just one of those delightful settings, just above the bush line.

Another NZFS SF 70 six bunker in good order. It’s fairly authentic and even has horizontal bracing at the top plate level. Few visit, maybe because of the grunt getting up there. A wonderful traverse to Kiwi Saddle Hut makes for an energetic long weekend from Nelson.

category . . . standard hut

hut fee . . . from 1 July 2026

Adult (18+ years): $15.00 per night
Youth (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
Child/Infant (0–4 years): free

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. A Backcountry Hut Pass is also valid year-round.

booking . . . not required all year for either hut or camping

campsite fee . . . free to camp

elevation . . . 1240 m

bunks . . . 6 mattresses

built . . . 1963, renovated 2018

heating . . . open fire

water . . . bucket and 15 m walk to a small flowing stream

toilet . . . 1 x longdrop