HUT INFORMATION
There are six hut settlements/sites on The Old Ghost Road. Hut settlements are classified into one of two categories based on varying degrees of amenities and quality. These include:
- Category 1 – bookable and with a range of facilities;
- Category 2 – not bookable and with only basic facilities.
Category 1 huts must be booked online ahead of time. Refer to the official trail map for locations of the various huts.
CATEGORY 1
MLBT Huts
Category 1 huts are managed by the Mōkihinui-Lyell Backcountry Trust (MLBT). The huts in this category include 4 huts built by the MLBT. Huts (from south to north) are as follows:
- Lyell Saddle Hut – 10 bunks, 2 summer sleepouts and 1 tent site
- Ghost Lake Hut – 18 bunks, 2 summer sleepouts and 1 tent site
- Stern Valley Hut – 10 bunks, 2 summer sleepouts and 1 tent site
- Specimen Point Hut – 14 bunks, 2 summer sleepouts and 1 tent site
Summer sleepouts
MLBT volunteers constructed two summer sleepouts at each hut site. Each sleepout contains 2 double mattresses that can hold a total of 4 occupants. Only the entire sleepout can be booked, irrespective of the occupant numbers. Summer sleepouts are ideal for families, couples, or those just wanting a bit of privacy away from the main hut. The sleepouts do not have a heat source – because of this they are only available during the warmer months (September to May), so please plan accordingly. People booking the summer sleepouts are welcome to share the communal facilities of the main hut.
Tent Sites
Adjacent to each hut is a tent site that accommodates up to two people. Tent sites do not include access to the main hut or its communal facilities. Tent site users have access only to an outside basin and a composting toilet, and must be fully self-sufficient for cooking, bringing their own cookers, pots, and cutlery.
Amenities
The communal space in each Category 1 hut is shared by hut occupants and summer sleepout users. Category 1 hut users need to accommodate summer sleepout guests accordingly. Tent sites do not include access to the communal hut space or its facilities
The lists below outline the amenities at each Category 1 hut and indicates availability according to booking type.
Available to hut and summer sleepout users only:
- Gas cooking facilities
- Cooking equipment (kettle, pots, frying pan, coffee plunger, utensils)
- Crockery (plates, bowls, cups, cutlery)
- Inside water supply (rain fed)
Available to hut, summer sleepout, and tent site users:
- Emergency telephone (inside hut, connects to NZ Police)
- Outside basin / water supply (rain fed)
- Composting toilets (2 per hut)
Please click here to visit our ‘What to Bring’ page to see other useful amenities that are not provided.
CATEGORY 2
DOC Huts
There are two Category 2 huts along the trail – Goat Creek Hut (4 bunks) and Mōkihinui Forks Hut (8 bunks inside + 2 bunks in porch area). These are basic huts that are part of Department of Conservation hut network. Both huts’ services are limited to a wood fire, long-drop toilet and mattresses. We do not service or restock either of these huts, so you should not expect facilities or supplies such as firewood, toilet paper, and cooking/eating equipment. These huts are NOT bookable and are supplied on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please note that Goat Creek must be forded (i.e. there is no bridge) to reach the Goat Creek hut. This crossing may be hazardous and/or impassable in times of elevated creek flow or flood. Plan or prepare accordingly.