John Tait Hut

The place

Serviced DOC hut with twenty-seven bunks at 800 m in Nelson Lakes National Park (Nelson-Tasman), in the Travers Valley. Origin: founded in 1951 by John Tait, president of the Nelson Tramping Club, who had identified the need for shelter in the valley. Current building rebuilt in 1978, with views to Mt Travers and Mt Cupola from the valley floor. Rate NZ$25 adult and NZ$12.50 youth (5-17) per night, free below that. Camping available: NZ$10 adult, NZ$5 youth. Backcountry Hut Pass valid only from 1 May to 30 September. Online booking via DOC; same-day bookings accepted up to 8 pm subject to availability (NZ$10 fee via visitor centre). No bunk held without a booking. Warning: the hut sits below an avalanche corridor, dangerous in winter during storms with heavy snow accumulation.