Nolans Hut
The place
Historic backcountry hut set at 201 m in the Perth Valley, Whataroa sector (West Coast, Westland District, South Island, New Zealand). Former musterers' cabin (sheep mustering) now maintained by the community — Kevin Hansen of Whataroa has been looking after the site since the DOC (Department of Conservation) took over from the NZFS (New Zealand Forest Service) in the mid-1980s. Capacity of 4 bunks, free access ("first come, first served"), no booking, free of charge. Facilities: heating, mattresses, dry (non-flush) toilets, stream water. Notable position on the Whataroa / Butler / Perth valleys tracks — one of the approach routes to the Garden of Eden and Garden of Allah glaciers (vast high-altitude glacial plateaus). Nolans Hut is often the first stop on this expedition route. Trek difficulty: advanced/expert, duration 3+ days. Exceptional West Coast New Zealand setting: temperate rainforest (rimu, totara, southern beech), glaciers, snow-capped peaks. Emblematic wildlife: Rowi kiwi (endemic species), kea, New Zealand falcon, weka.
Getting there
Whataroa / Butler / Perth valleys tracks (West Coast, NZ). Toward Garden of Eden / Garden of Allah glaciers. Advanced/expert level, 3+ days.
The setting
Whataroa (Westland NZ), Perth Valley, route to the Garden of Eden glaciers.
What you'll find
On site
Good to know
pit latrine
