John Tait Hut

About this hut

Heritage

John Tait (1901 to 1982), was president of the Nelson Tramping Club from 1948. He climbed Mt Travers during a summer holiday with his family and saw the need for a shelter well up the Travers Valley.

He led a volunteer effort to raise funds and to construct the original hut, which opened in 1951. This was five years before Nelson Lakes was gazetted to become a national park. The original hut was decommissioned in 1978 and a new hut was built on the current site, which offers great views from the valley floor to Mt Travers and Mt Cupola.

Facilities

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

Fees and bookings

Fees

1 May - 30 September

• Adult (18+ years): $25 per night
• Child/youth (5–17 years): $12.50 per night
• Infant (0–4 years): free

1 October - 30 April

Weekdays:

• Adult (18+ years): $28 per night
• Child/youth (5–17 years): $14 per night
• Infant (0–4 years): free

Weekends:

• Adult (18+ years): $32 per night
• Child/youth (5–17 years): $16 per night
• Infant (0–4 years): free

1 December - 29 February

Weekdays:

• Adult (18+ years): $29 per night
• Child/youth (5–17 years): $14.50 per night
• Infant (0–4 years): free

Weekends:

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

Backcountry Hut Passes

Passes are valid for use in this hut from 1 May to 30 September. Passes won't be accepted from 1 October to 30 April. However it is valid to use for camping within 200 metres of the huts all year round.

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. 

Campers may use hut water supply and toilets. 

Te Araroa – The Trail Pass

Te Araroa Trail walkers should register and purchase the .

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.

Trails

John Tait Hut can be accessed on the trail Ultra Tour du Nelson Lakes from our trail directory.