Waiau Hut

The place

Standard-category DOC hut with six bunks located at 864 m in the St James Conservation Area (Canterbury), in a sheltered clearing on the Waiau River. Built to meet demand from Te Araroa hikers: it links Nelson Lakes National Park and the St James Conservation Area via the Waiau Pass Track. Fee of NZD 10 for adults and NZD 5 for youths aged 5-17 per night, free below that age, payable via standard tickets or an annual Backcountry Hut Pass. No booking required. Access: 10-12 hours from Blue Lake Hut via the Lewis Pass-Waiau Pass route, 2 hours from the Waiau River trailhead (accessible via the Maling Pass 4x4 track). Map BT24, NZTM2000 E1572023, N5330158.