• The end of a long day is in sight with some weather about to arrive | Downie Hut, Nelson Lakes National Park
  • The interior has been restored. | Downie Hut, Nelson Lakes National Park
  • The new bunks. | Downie Hut, Nelson Lakes National Park
  • It's a massive open fireplace. | Downie Hut, Nelson Lakes National Park
  • Deer shooters graffiti from the 1930s. | Downie Hut, Nelson Lakes National Park
  • The hut was originally built in 1904. | Downie Hut, Nelson Lakes National Park
  • A dramatic enough setting. | Downie Hut, Nelson Lakes National Park

tramping new zealand

45 almost epic adventures on the South Island & Rakiura

Downie Hut | Nelson Lakes National Park

Historic station hut complete with 80 year old graffiti from some original government deer cullers.

Not too many huts of this vintage are remaining in the backcountry.

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category … basic hut

hut fee … free

elevation … 530 m

bunks … 4

built … 1905, refurbished 1990s. Backcountry Trust renovation 2024.

heating … huge open fireplace, ie, not much

water … bucket and 200 m walk to Matakitaki River

toilet … longdrop