Caves Hut, Leatham River area

A legacy from the days when transport wasn’t so easy, and hunting in the area was less affected by the vegetation regeneration. That’s mostly manuka in the vicinity, but the rogue wilding pines are making a serious impression.

The adjacent airstrip has been truncated by river erosion, and much of the river flats also washed away in recent years. Yeah, the pines and Douglas fir are an issue in this valley. The hut is in good nick with two large single-glazed aluminium windows and door recently installed.

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 . . . 550 m

bunks . . . 6 bunks

built . . . 1965

heating . . . Oregon top loading wood burner

water . . . polythene pipe with continually running water, 20 m

toilet . . . longdrop