Lakehead Hut | Nelson Lakes National Park
Lakehead Hut is the closest hut to St Arnaud, with a great walk around Lake Rotoiti through the red beech forest.
The proximity to the road means plenty of use, and overuse during the busy times, by those on the Travers-Sabine circuit, TA, and those venturing not-so-far overnighters.
Lakehead Hut would be somewhat claustrophobic if near capacity. There’s not so much space per bunk as some of the more recent huts in the park. Quite limited seating and bench space. Almost ready for refurbishment.
Despite the name, there’s no immediate view of Lake Rotoiti. Instead, you can take in a fine view up the Travers River valley.
| Lakehead Hut | |
|---|---|
| category | serviced hut |
| hut fee |
Summer (1 October to 30 April) — Friday & Saturday
Summer (1 October to 30 April) — Sunday to Thursday
Peak Summer (1 December to 29 February) — Friday & Saturday
Peak Summer (1 December to 29 February) — Sunday to Thursday
Off-season (1 May to 30 September)
Backcountry Hut Passes are valid for use in this hut from 1 May to 30 September. How to pay with your Backcountry Hut Pass. |
| booking | required all year for hut but not campsite, book here |
| campsite fee | all year. Campsites can’t be booked
Fees for camping are paid with hut tickets, a Backcountry Hut Pass, or a Campsite Pass. A Backcountry Hut Pass is valid for camping year-round. How to pay with your Backcountry Hut Pass. 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 or give to the hut warden. Campers may use the hut’s water supply and toilet. |
| elevation | 630 m |
| bunks | 28 mattresses on four sleeping platforms |
| built | 1978 |
| heating | small, ie, inadequate, oven woodburner. Wood supplied |
| water | inside tap above sink with water from outside rainwater tank |
| toilet | 2 x longdrop |