Pros & cons
PROS
- Gas cookers and a wood/closed fire for heat and cooking
- 20 bunks with mattresses on the Rees–Dart Track
CONS
- Water supply can be unreliable; toilets may be drop-only
- Heavy sandflies reported
- Long walk-in: 16 km from Chinamans carpark
Overview
Daleys Flat Hut is a serviced, 20‑bunk backcountry hut on the Rees–Dart Track. It’s a classic tramping stop: simple, social, and built to get you warm, fed, and back on the trail. Expect the essentials rather than frills.
Facilities
Inside you’ll find mattresses on the bunks, gas cookers for meals, and a wood/closed fire for warmth. Toilets are provided. Water is normally from a bore-fed supply, but a recent visitor report noted no running water and only the drop toilet open—so treat any available water and don’t rely on taps being on.
Getting There
From Chinamans carpark (Glenorchy–Paradise Road), it’s about 16 km on the Rees–Dart Track, typically 5.5–7.5 hours. From Dart Hut, plan on 18 km in roughly 5–7 hours. This is a true hike‑in hut; there’s no road access.
Booking, Passes, and Fees
No bookings—first come, first served. Fees apply. Serviced Hut tickets are required and there’s an honesty box at the hut. A Backcountry Hut Pass is valid here from May 1 to September 30; it is not accepted October 1 to April 30.
Camping Option
There’s a first‑come campsite outside the hut. Campers can use the hut’s water supply and toilets, with separate campsite fees.
What It’s Like
Compared with the bigger Dart Hut, some walkers find Daleys Flat a bit more basic—but it does the job. Several visitors also call out sandflies, so expect them, especially around still times.
Best Time to Visit
Plan your day so the 5.5–7.5 hour approach fits comfortably in daylight. If you’re using a Backcountry Hut Pass, remember it’s only valid May 1–September 30; outside those dates you’ll need Serviced Hut tickets.
Where it is
-44.5482, 168.3745Tips for Daleys Flat Hut
- 01Carry Serviced Hut tickets; there’s an honesty box at the hut.
- 02Backcountry Hut Pass is valid here May 1–Sept 30 only.
- 03Don’t rely on running water—bring treatment and a backup plan.
- 04From Chinamans carpark it’s 16 km; allow 5.5–7.5 hours.
- 05Campers may use the hut toilets and water; campsite fees are separate.
Amenities
Near Daleys Flat Hut
All places →All trails →
5.4 mi awayMount Earnslaw / PikirakatahiTwin-peaked alpine giant above glacier walls and waterfall-streaked valleyScenic Viewpoint
6.7 mi awayShelter Rock HutBig serviced hut in the Rees with a takahē bonusRestroom · Lodging
6.7 mi awayKea BasinSubalpine basin of waterfalls, tussock and glacier viewsScenic Viewpoint
6.8 mi awayEarnslaw BurnHanging glaciers and waterfalls after a big, rough hikeTrailhead · Parking
11.2 mi awayRees-Dart TrackAlpine rivers, big saddles, true backcountry drama over 4–5 daysChallenging · 39.1 mi · 24 hr
11.2 mi awayKea Basin TrackBig Rees Valley views to a tussock basin below Mt EarnslawChallenging · 14.9 mi · 9 hr
12.6 mi awayLake Sylvan TrackEasy beech-forest loop to tranquil lake reflections and viewsEasy · 4.4 mi · 1.7 hr
12.7 mi awayRouteburn TrackAlpine-to-rainforest Great Walk with huts, waterfalls, and big views.Challenging · 20.5 mi · 13 hr
