tramping new zealand

45 almost epic adventures | South Island & Rakiura

Nardoo Hut | Nelson Lakes National Park

Nardoo Hut is one of the best tiny huts in Nelson Lakes National Park. The siting is outstanding with big bluffs in proximity, twin tarns at the doorstep, and a great view up the basin.

Getting there is a big effort, and DOC’s seven hours will be hard to beat for all but the most athletic. The track up Nardoo Creek from the Matakitaki River more or less disappears once it hits the creek, and for much of the way it’s easier just to boulder hop, and cross the river as required a couple of dozen times. That’s pretty straightforward up as far as the big bend, but the track has been recently been better marked all the way to the hut. The climb from the river valley will seriously test your fitness.

Recently, the hut was re-roofed and repainted, tie-downs installed, the louvre window replaced, and an impressive stainless steel bench installed.

+++++horizontal rule+++++

Nardoo Hut
category basic hut
hut fee free
elevation 1405 m
bunks 2 mattresses on bunks
built November 1965, renovated by Backcountry Trust volunteers in 2023
heating none
water 20 m to tarn closest to bivvy, but better to take the bucket to the stream for flowing water
toilet Thunderbox 50m down the track. An open-air toilet seat in a box