Huts and bivvies

What do you want from a hut or bivvy? Here, I rate crash pads on comfort, character, accessibility and situation. Each is given a score out of 5.

Although not a “hut bagger”, this frontcountry tramper is starting to have visited a number of huts and bivvies. So I thought I’d put together a list of those I’ve visited, to help you make decisions about which trips and digs might be the best for you.

I’ve scored each hut or bivouac on four criteria. Each criterion has a maximum of five points—so for each hut there are 20 points up for grabs in total.

  • Comfort – gimme heating, mattresses, clean loos, porches for dirty gear or nice verandas.
  • Character – I’m about history, cosiness, quirkiness, and charm.
  • Accessibility – how easy is it to get there? Points for ease of access.
  • Situation – extra kudos for sun, sweeping scenery or appealing swimming spots.

Huts and bivvies listed in roughly geographic order.

Te Ika-a-Māui | North Island

HutTotalComfortCharacterAccessibilitySituation
Waihohonu Hut135125
Makahu Saddle Hut50050
Dominie Bivouac133235
Top Gorge Hut71411
Iron Gates Hut164444
Burn Hut174535
Waiopehu Hut174445
Herepai Hut134432
Dundas Hut123315
Cattle Ridge Hut175525
Roaring Stag Hut185445
Atiwhakatu Hut185454
Jumbo Hut112234
Powell Hut165245
McGregor Bivouac143515
Kapakapanui Hut144433
Blue Range Hut174535
Mitre Flats Hut144334
Totara Flats Hut185355
Cone Hut153543
Tutuwai Hut154443
Turere Lodge155253

Te Waipounamu | South Island

Coming soon….

Baine-Iti Hut in Remutaka Forest Park oozes character—but may not be to everyone’s desired level of comfort!