Waitutu Hut
The place
A 12-bunk Standard Hut managed by the Department of Conservation, located on the South Coast Track at the foot of the Waitutu Forest in the southern Fiordland National Park (Southland region, New Zealand). Reached via the South Coast Track, which winds through private Māori land and bush-covered coastal terraces until it reaches the Waitutu River: a swing bridge crosses it and the hut lies 200 m upstream on the true right bank. Standard DOC facilities: 12 bunks, heating, mattresses, dry toilets, untreated tap water (must be boiled). No booking required, but a Standard Hut Ticket must be purchased for each night. From Waitutu Hut, the trail becomes a "marked route" reserved for experienced trampers: 12 km and 5 h to Big River. The isolated, demanding area can experience strong winds, hail, snow and heavy rain at any time of year — trails turn to bogs and unbridged waterways become dangerous.
Getting there
South Coast Track from Bluecliffs. Swing bridge over the Waitutu River, hut 200 m upstream on the true right bank. Standard DOC Hut Ticket.
The setting
Waitutu Forest, southern Fiordland National Park, coastal terraces and bush.
