New Zealand’s backcountry hut pass can be used in hundreds of huts across the country. Here is the lowdown on these passes – cost, how to get them, and which huts are excluded.
Exploring the mountains and wilderness of New Zealand is an amazing experience. One of the cool parts of the backcountry is the fact that there are hundreds of huts to stay at. Many of those huts are in fantastic locations. Granted, some of the huts get incredibly busy, but others are rarely visited. The backcountry hut pass allows you to stay at these huts free.
What Is New Zealand’s Backcountry Hut Pass?
The backcountry hut pass is a 6 month or annual pass that allows you to stay at most, but not all, of the backcountry huts across the country. There are literally hundreds of backcountry huts spread across the wilds of New Zealand. These huts run the gamut from new, modern huts to simple hunters huts.
There is quite a history to the backcountry huts, which is covered in a nice book by Shaun Barnett. If you’re like me, then this book will whet your appetite as it shows some huts all over the country.
How Much Does New Zealand’s Backcountry Hut Pass Cost?
6 Month Pass – adult (18+) $92; youth (11-17) $46
Annual Pass – adult (18+) $122; youth (11-17) $61
There are discounts to members of various alpine clubs, so if you are a member of one you should inquire.
You can buy a hut pass at any DOC visitor centre.
What Are The Other Options?
If you are going to sleep in a hut you need to either have a pass, a hut ticket, or to have booked in advance. New Zealand has different levels of backcountry huts and the cost to stay at them varies – basic, standard, serviced, and Great Walk.
A hut ticket for a basic hut is $0, a standard hut for an adult is $5, and a serviced hut is $15. A hut ticket for a Great Walk hut is more expensive and generally must be booked and paid for in advance. Read this for more info on the Great Walks (such as Kepler Track, Routeburn Track, and Rakiura Track).
If you plan on camping outside of a hut, you will still have to pay a small fee (typically the $5 standard hut ticket).
If you are planning on spending more than 6 nights in a hut over 6 months or 8 nights over a year then the pass will save you money and be worth it.
Exceptions – New Zealand’s Backcountry Hut Pass Can’t Be Used Everywhere
The backcountry hut pass is a good deal, but keep in mind that it can’t be used everywhere. It can’t be used at Great Walk Huts or at some of the bookable huts.
Here are some of the huts that it can’t be used: Cape Brett Hut, Kaiaraara Hut and Mt. Heale Hut on Great Barrier Island, Pinnacles Hut (Coromandel), Angelus Hut (Nelson Lakes NP), Godley Hut (Aoraki/Mt. Cook NP), all serviced alpine huts, and all Mt. Aspiring and Westland Tai Poutini NP huts.