Westies Hut
The place
Private hut with 5 bunks on the South Coast Track in Fiordland National Park (Southland, South Island, New Zealand). Unique feature: a "shack" built inside a large surf cave on one side of Prices Harbour. Originally built partly from shipwreck debris — several rebuilds over the years. Four days' walk beyond the end of all marked trails. Distance Waitutu Hut → Westies: 10.1 km, 5 h DOC time. Facilities: beds, mattresses, wood-and-coal stove for heating, toilet, bench, table, seating for 5, candlesticks. Rare features: hot shower and running water, small potbelly stove. Abundant wildlife and fishing: crayfish, paua in profusion, blue cod easily caught off the rocks. Magnificent beaches and bay; 1 hour further west, the trail ends at the Big River, the outlet of Lake Hakapoua.
Getting there
South Coast Track; 10.1 km from Waitutu Hut (5 h DOC time); 4 days from the end of the marked trails.
The setting
Prices Harbour, Fiordland NP, crayfish, paua, blue cod.
