Lodging · Nelson Lakes National Park
Two bunks in the bush, with an avalanche story in its past.
Overview
Map
Plan your stop
The highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.
Nelson Lakes Tour Guide
Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Nelson Lakes National Park. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.
“Fantastic app with many points of information… It’s great to just turn on while you’re driving and it gives you an audio tour of the national Park. We love it!!!!”
Guide
Upper D'Urville Hut is a basic two-bunk backcountry hut at about 1,000 m in Nelson Lakes National Park. It suits trampers building a longer route through the park, not a quick drive-in visit. George Lyon (Ella) Hut is listed three hours away and East Matakitaki Hut six hours away. The hut is free and needs no booking, but its two beds are first-come, first-served; have a backup plan if they are occupied.
Built in 1965 as an S86 two-bunk design, it was moved 50 m in 2003 to get it out of an avalanche path. That relocation is part of the hut's story, and it matters when navigating: use the current hut site, not records for the old one. A later renovation replaced the louvres with a single-glazed window and removed the wood burner, so don't count on a hut stove for warmth.
The hut information documents two bunks, but no potable-water source or toilet is confirmed. A water body is noted nearby, which does not mean it is safe to drink. Carry enough water or a suitable treatment method, and settle your backcountry toileting plan before setting out. No food service is listed.
Wildlife
20 sightingsNew Zealand FalconMost seen around 9 AMSighting map
39 sightingsWekaMost seen around 7 AMSighting map
11 sightingsKererūMost seen around 9 AMSighting map
55 sightingsBlack SwanMost seen around 8 AMSighting map
23 sightingsParadise ShelduckMost seen around 6 AMSighting map
17 sightingsTūīMost seen around 7 AMSighting mapSighting maps show where each species has been reported across Nelson Lakes. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.
Keep exploring
ChallengingThompson Pass Route5.4 km · 4.5 hr · 3.6 km awayA high alpine crossing for expert backcountry parties.
ChallengingMcKellar Stream Route4.9 km · 3.8 hr · 4.7 km awayA rough, remote descent from the Ella Range into Matakitaki Valley
ChallengingRotopōhueroa/Lake Constance Track5.6 km · 5 hr · 6.9 km awayA steep moraine climb to a sacred alpine lake.
ChallengingWaiau Pass Route16.7 km · 11.5 hr · 6.9 km awayA remote, expert alpine crossing over Waiau Pass.
ChallengingMoss Pass Route6.6 km · 6 hr · 7 km awayA steep rocky pass opens views into two remote valleys.
ModerateMatakitaki Forks Route11.9 km · 5 hr · 7.4 km awayA mossy beech track to a remote Matakitaki river crossing.
Sight · 5.4 km awayRotopōhueroa / Lake ConstanceTurquoise water beneath Waiau Pass, reached on a backcountry tramp.
Lodging · 6.8 km awayGeorge Lyon HutA 16-bunk backcountry refuge deep in the D’Urville Valley.
Lodging · 6.9 km awayBlue Lake HutA booked hut gives you time near the famously clear lake.
Sight · 7 km awayRotomairewhenua / Blue LakeAn exceptionally clear alpine lake reached on a multi-day tramp.
Lodging · 7.2 km awayDownies Hut1902 graffiti survives in this small backcountry hut.Parkwolf’s Nelson Lakes ranking
The audio tour guide for the drive, plus offline maps, trails, and wildlife heatmaps for when the signal drops.
