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.
category . . . serviced hut
hut fee . . . From 1 July 2026
Hut | Peak summer 1 December to 29 February | Friday & Saturday
Adult (18+ years): $34 per night
Child/youth (5–17 years): $17.00 per night
Infant: (0-4 years): free
Hut | Peak summer 1 December to 29 February | Sunday to Thursday
Adult (18+ years): $29.00 per night
Child/Youth (5-17 years): $14.50 per night
Infant (0-4 years): free
Hut | Summer 1 October to 30 April | Friday & Saturday
Adult (18+ years): $32 per night
Child/youth (5–17 years): $16.00 per night
Infant: (0-4 years): free
Hut | Summer 1 October to 30 April | Sunday to Thursday
Adult (18+ years): $28.00 per night
Child/Youth (5-17 years): $14.00 per night
Infant (0-4 years): free
Hut | Off-season 1 May to 30 September | Sunday to Thursday
Adult (18+ years): $25.00 per night
Child/youth (5–17 years): $12.50 per night
Infant: (0-4 years): free
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 . . . From 1 July 2026
Adult (18+ years): $15.00 per night
Youth (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
Child/Infant (0–4years): free
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. Campsites can’t be booked.
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.
Campers may use the hut’s water supply and toilets.
elevation . . . 630 m
bunks . . . 28
built . . . 1978
heating . . . small, ie, inadequate, oven firebox. Wood supplied
water . . . inside tap above sink with water from outside rainwater tank
toilet . . . 2 x longdrop
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