Burn Creek Hut | Nelson Lakes National Park
At the bottom of Burn Creek a sign states that the track has not been maintained since 1 January 1994. However, a note in the hut book from 1991 complained about the state of the track even then. Yeah, there are sporadic ancient white NZFS permolat markers nailed to the trees, or an occasional 60-year-old blaze, but you are basically on your own to smash your way through the regenerating red beech tree undergrowth. At least the route up Jacobs Ladder, to get above the bluffs, is reasonably well marked. If you haven’t found the length of Number 8 wire, getting above the bluffs may be an issue. Stay on the true right of the creek until you get to the 9 kg gas bottle at the end of the clearing where you cross. You will know it when you see it, and probably say, “Really?!!”
Occasional visitors come from either Nardoo or Bobs Huts, over the tops. This also is definitely only for the experienced and energetic, and requires decent weather.
The hut has also not been maintained since that date, and really needs some love and attention. It is, nevertheless, comfortable and watertight sufficiently for an overnight or two stay. The real issue is getting water that is probably best obtained from a walk up Burn Creek to the point where you can gain access. At least this is flowing, rather than just seeping through the sphagnum.
Congratulate yourself if you get to this hut as it had no visitors noted in the hut book for the entire 2018 calendar year, and also none from a four-year period from 2002 – 2006.
category . . . basic hut
hut fee . . . free
elevation . . . 1260 m
bunks . . . 2 mattresses
built . . . 1958, from the leftovers from building Bobs Hut
heating . . . none
water . . . 20 m to a murky trickle near the hut as marked with a pole, but better to take the billies upstream to Burn Creek for the flowing water. It’s quite an expedition, ten minutes each way.
toilet . . . none, use the shovel
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