Speargrass Hut

Speargrass Hut is a 12-bunk serviced hut in a tussock clearing at about 1,060 m in Nelson Lakes National Park. This is a three-hour walk each way, not a roadside stop: It takes about three hours each way from Mt Robert Road end. Book before setting out; no bunks are held for walk-ins. It’s a useful lower alternative when weather makes the more exposed Angelus Hut route a poor fit.

The intermediate Speargrass Track first descends through mature beech forest, then follows Speargrass Creek before climbing to the hut. Expect slippery roots, wet and muddy ground, and shallow stream crossings. Near the creek bridge, a sign points to a final 200 m approach over boggy tussock on a boardwalk. The Mount Robert Road gate is locked when the road is icy.

The hut has shared platform bunks with mattresses, a wood burner and cold water from a rain tank; the long-drop toilet is a short walk away. The water is untreated, so bring a way to treat it. Bring your own food, cooking stove, pots and utensils, sleeping bag and toilet paper; no meal service is listed. Firewood supply can vary, so don’t depend on it. Camping is allowed within 200 m, but campers may use only the hut’s water and toilet.

The hut sits in tussock grass with mountain views, reached by a boardwalk over boggy ground. Its present 12-bunk building was built in 2006 to replace an earlier Speargrass Hut.