Red Hut | Ruataniwha Conservation Park
A hut originally built for a failed tourist venture to take tourists to Mount Cook via Barron Saddle at the head of the adjacent Dobson River, and thence down the Mueller Glacier. In their tweeds and petticoats. Apparently not a success at the time, but the hut is still divided into two compartments to keep the sexes apart. Note the massive lock on the intervening door.
Spacious, but not immediately visible from the river. Has been done up over the years and is a great accommodation.
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 . . . 625 m
bunks . . . 12 mattresses, in bunks
built . . . 1916
heating . . . large woodburner
water . . . 3000 litre rainwater tank with outside tap
toilet . . . longdrop
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