Tailings Hut | Oteake Conservation Park

An agglomeration of various huts, the oldest built in 1924 and substantially added to in 1977 with two 6-bunk accommodation buildings bought in on a trailer.

The old hut has been renovated with a concrete floor, wall linings and presumably insulation, stainless steel benches, and a wood burner. Bring your own wood.

The road to Buster Saddle was built prior to the 1940s, but only pushed through to Tailings Hut in 1965. Five river crossings are involved from Buster Saddle, with a couple over knee deep, even at low flow.

category . . . standard hut

hut fee . . . from 1 July 2026

Adult (18+ years): $15.00 per night
Youth (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
Child/Infant (0–4 years): free

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. A Backcountry Hut Pass is also valid year-round.

booking . . . not required all year for either hut or camping

campsite fee . . . free to camp

elevation . . . 840 m

bunks . . . 12 mattresses on bunks in two bunkrooms

built . . . 1924 kitchen, 1977 bunkrooms

heating . . . wood burner in kitchen

water . . . 20 m to stream

toilet . . . longdrop