John Tait Hut

John Tait Hut is a 25-bunk serviced hut at 800 m in a grassy clearing beside the Travers River, with valley-floor views toward Mt Travers and Mt Cupola. It sits on the Travers-Sabine Circuit, a four-to-seven-day advanced tramp that is also part of Te Araroa. This is a remote overnight stop, not a drive-up attraction: allow about four and a half hours on foot from either Lakehead or Coldwater huts.

The approach follows the river through forest, terraces and grassy clearings, with swing bridges and creek crossings along the way. The track gets steeper before it reaches the hut clearing. Give yourself time to settle in and look back along the valley; the hut's setting is a big part of the reward.

John Tait was president of the Nelson Tramping Club from 1948. After a family climb in the Travers Valley, he saw the need for a shelter and organized volunteers to raise funds and build the first hut, which opened in 1951. Nelson Lakes became a national park five years later. The original hut was replaced at this site in 1978.

Bookings are required, and this is a remote hut with no food service, so bring everything you need to eat. The 25 bunks have mattresses; the hut also has heating and non-flush toilets. Its water is untreated and must be boiled. No firewood is supplied from May through September. The Department of Conservation warns against staying during winter storms or when snow reaches the valley floor: the hut lies below an avalanche path.