Packhorse Hut

About this hut

This hut is in a low open saddle on the ridge between Mt Bradley and the Remarkable Dykes. It can be seen against the skyline from many parts of the reserve and the Lyttelton Harbour basin. From the hut there are sweeping views of the entire Lyttelton Harbour basin, including Lyttelton Harbour and the Port Hills opposite.

Packhorse Hut makes an excellent introduction to overnight tramping for families and youth groups. The hut is above 450 m in altitude and can get chilly at night, even in summer.

Facilities

• Take a cookstove, sleeping bag and toilet paper if staying overnight. These are not provided.
• Water is available from rain-fed water tanks which should be treated or boiled before drinking.
• Non-flush toilets are available for hut users and day walkers.
• A woodburner is available and firewood is supplied for use in the burner only.

Heritage

This hut was planned as part of a series of rest houses built by Harry Ell for a proposed summit route from Christchurch to Akaroa. These buildings were designed by Samuel Hurst Seager, one of the earliest architects to move away from historical styles and seek designs and plans with New Zealand character.

The hut is built of locally quarried volcanic stone with timber joinery – windows on three elevations – affording remarkable views of the Scenic Reserve, Mount Bradley, Lyttelton Harbour and the distant Southern Alps.

Facilities

Heating, Mattresses, Toilets - non-flush, Water from tap - not treated, boil before use, Water supply

Fees and bookings

Fees

Hut fees

All hut users need to book via the DOC online booking system.

1 May - 30 September

• Adult (18+ years): $30 per night
• Child/youth (5–17 years): $15 per night
• Infant (0–4 years): free

1 October - 30 April

Weekdays:

• Adult (18+ years): $34 per night
• Child/youth (5–17 years): $17 per night
• Infant (0–4 years): free

Weekends:

• Adult (18+ years): $36 per night
• Child/youth (5–17 years): $18 per night
• Infant (0–4 years): free

1 December - 29 February

Weekdays:

• Adult (18+ years): $38 per night
• Child/youth (5–17 years): $19 per night
• Infant (0–4 years): free

Weekends:

• Adult (18+ years): $40 per night
• Child/youth (5–17 years): $20 per night
• Infant (0–4 years): free

Backcountry Hut Passes can be used at this hut. 

Fees to camp at the hut

The campsite fee is 50% of the hut fee. 

Before you go, buy Hut Tickets for each night's stay. Put this in the honesty box at the hut. Or buy a Backcountry Hut Pass or Campsite Pass. 

Bookings

Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2027.

• If no availability shows online for your dates, the hut is fully booked.
• No spaces are kept for visitors arriving without a booking.
• Phone and in‑person bookings made at a visitor centre incur a $10 service fee.
• Same‑day bookings are available online until 8 pm if spaces remain.

Bookings are not required to camp at the hut.

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Your hut booking is for any bunk bed, not for a specific bunk bed – select your bunk bed on arrival. 

Trails

Packhorse Hut can be accessed on the trails Lyttelton to Diamond Harbour, Summit Walkway, Kaituna Grande Loop, Banks Peninsula Ultra Beer Run, Gebbies to Packhorse Romp, The ATH (Around The Harbour), A Diamond in the Rough, Double Top and Tūpari - Packhorse - Kaituna Loop from our trail directory.