Mingha Bivvy

Mingha Bivvy is a small, free, two-bunk backcountry hut on the eastern Mingha-Deception route in Arthur’s Pass National Park. It’s an overnight shelter for well-equipped trampers with backcountry and river-crossing experience, not a roadside stop. Bunks are first come, first served, with no booking.

The eastern approach starts at Greyneys Shelter on SH73, 5 km south of Arthur’s Pass village. Go under the railway, then cross Bealey River only when it’s safe to ford. Follow the Mingha riverbed, crossing as needed; a marked track climbs above Mingha Gorge to Dudley Knob before dropping back toward the river. The hut appears shortly after the track comes out of the bush. If Bealey is too high, postpone the trip. Never use the railway bridge as a crossing.

Expect two bunks, mattresses, heating and a non-flush toilet. There’s no tap: water is from a nearby stream, so don’t count on potable water. There’s no food service either, and the hut isn’t a casual day stop; plan for an overnight backcountry trip.

The hut lies in known avalanche paths. Do not use it during or after heavy snowfall or rain when snow loading is present on the upper slopes. Check the Arthur’s Pass avalanche forecast and track conditions before setting out. Flooding can also make the rivers dangerous or impossible to cross.

Canterbury University Tramping Club built the bivvy. After it fell into disrepair, Permolat and New Zealand Deerstalkers Association volunteers rebuilt it in January and February 2019. Volunteers replaced the foundations, framing and bunks, kept the steel cladding and roof structure, and fitted a new firebox and chimney.