Top Misery Hut, Leatham Conservation Area
Not sure about the sense of humour of the New Zealand Forest Service employees who named this stream, but it is surprising when you actually venture up the valley, it is as delightful a walk as you could wish for. A short area of conifer forest at the bottom, and 100 m of river flat with plenty of tutu, but once past Little Misery Stream, the conifers are no longer in close proximity, and there are some excellent views.
This is a big four-bunk hut, with a decent porch that holds the water tank. 360° views of the basin from the hut. A surprisingly cruisy place to visit as long as you come by the track, rather than one of those rugged mountain passes.
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 . . . 1130 m
bunks . . . 4 mattresses in bunks
built . . . 1959
heating . . . wood burner
water . . . tap from rainwater tank in porch, or stream 50 m each way
toilet . . . longdrop
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