Cupola Track

Cupola Track is a strenuous 5.2-mile (8.4-km) out-and-back from John Tait Hut to Cupola Hut. It follows a short stretch of Upper Travers Track to the Cupola spur, then retraces the same route. Allow about five hours for the return and expect roughly 600 m of climbing. The high hut perch looks toward Mount Hopeless and the upper Travers Valley.

John Tait Hut is a backcountry starting point reached on foot from Lakehead Hut through the Travers Valley; that approach is about 14.2 km (8.8 miles) and four and a half hours. A water taxi to Lakehead can shorten the lower-lake approach. From John Tait Hut, follow Upper Travers Track to the Cupola junction and climb the named spur to the hut. The five-minute continuation into the tussock basin is an optional extension outside the mapped distance.

Cupola Hut is a remote, eight-bunk Standard hut. About five minutes beyond it, the track reaches a tussock basin with views of Mount Cupola, the snowfield behind Mount Hopeless, and the upper Travers Valley. Carry your own food; there are no food services on this outing.

Built in 1962, Cupola Hut first housed ecology researchers studying deer, chamois and hares in the Upper Cupola basin. It began with four bunks and was later expanded to eight.

This is a strenuous backcountry climb to about 1,390 m. John Tait Hut sits below an avalanche path; avoid using the hut during winter storms or when snow reaches the valley floor. Dogs and domestic animals are prohibited in Nelson Lakes National Park. Check current hut payment and booking requirements before an overnight stay.