South Temple Hut
The place
A Department of Conservation Standard Hut in Ruataniwha Conservation Park (Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand), at about 833 m altitude in the upper South Temple valley, a tributary of the Hopkins River. Access from Lake Ohau Road: head up the Temple valley, about 7.5 km on foot (3-4 h) to the hut. An outstanding setting in the high country of the Mackenzie Basin, between the Ben Ohau Range and the Hopkins Range, facing the majestic Mount Cook Range. Iconic wildlife: kea (Nestor notabilis), and introduced chamois and Himalayan tahr. Standard DOC hut with bunk sleeping, but no booking or staffing — first come, first served. A very remote approach typical of New Zealand back-country huts, true wilderness immersion away from the great Mount Aspiring traverses.
Getting there
From Lake Ohau Road, up the Temple valley: ~7.5 km, 3-4 h. Standard DOC hut, no booking.
The setting
Upper South Temple valley, Ruataniwha Conservation Park, facing the Mount Cook Range.
