Maclennan Hut
The place
Small basic hut at 228 m tucked away in the bush at the heart of the Catlins Conservation Park (Otago, South Island, New Zealand). A hidden gem of the Catlins. Two bunks, no booking, free (first come, first served). Access via the Thisbe Valley Track (8.8 km one way, advanced level) which starts from Cairn Road — with no DOC signage at the entrance. Important: you need to cross a private property to reach the Thisbe Valley Track and Maclennan Hut, and therefore obtain permission from the owner (contact: Josh Carins +64 27 534 3866). Numerous unbridged stream crossings, plus a major crossing of the Maclennan River, difficult and dangerous when in flood.
Getting there
Thisbe Valley Track 8.8 km from Cairn Road; landowner permission required.
The setting
Catlins Conservation Park, Otago, dense bush, unbridged river.
