Big Hut

About this hut

This historic alpine hut is located in the Rock and Pillar Range in Coastal Otago. The hut is owned and maintained by the Strath Taieri Agriculture & Rural Tourism (START).

Altitude: 1325 m

Water

Rainwater and stream nearby. Boil all water before use.

Facilities

• Gas cooker, cookware, cutlery, plates etc available
• Two bunkrooms
• A large common room with table tennis table
• Dining tables and seating
• A relatively small kitchen
• A gear room and a wash room/entry lobby, all with solar-powered lighting
• No artificial heating in the hut

History

The original hut was built by the Otago Ski Club in 1946 as part of an attempt to develop a ski field on the Rock & Pillar Range. For many years this 'Big Hut', as it became known, provided the venue for large weekend parties of enthusiasts who engaged in all forms of skiing - downhill, slalom, jumping, and langlauf.

The hut fell into disuse and disrepair after 1954, until the 1980’s when the Otago Tramping & Mountaineering Club made it weatherproof again.

Big Hut is now managed by Strath Taieri Agriculture & Rural Tourism (START) and major upgrades, including insulation, have commenced. Donations are welcomed.

Facilities

Cooking, Mattresses, Lighting, Toilets - non-flush, Water from stream, Water from tap - not treated, boil before use, Water supply

Fees and bookings

Fees

Adult: $12 per night 
Child: $7 per night 
Day use: Donation

Pay online to START Trust:

• 06 0939 0096156 03

Bookings

This is a private hut, bookings are required.

Email Kate Wilson (if no reply within two days text cell phone). Phone: +64 27 443 8134.

The Hut Trust reserves the right to decline bookings that are inappropriate or potentially damaging to the hut or conservation area.

Trails

Big Hut can be accessed on the trails Rock and Pillars VK and Rock and Pillars Loop from our trail directory.