Lakehead Hut

About this hut

Lakehead Hut sits at the head of Lake Rotoiti in the Travers River valley, at an altitude of 630 m.

From the hut you can:

• walk to the swingbridge over the Travers River – 2 hr return, and
• fish in the Travers River or in the lake.

Facilities

• Bunks – platform shared bunks with mattresses
• Water supply – cold water from a rain collection tank
• Heating – wood burner with firewood provided from October to April. Although there may be periods without firewood if weather conditions prevent resupply.
• Space for camping outside the hut.

• Sleeping bag
• Cooking stove, pots/pans and utensils
• Toilet paper
• Rubbish bag
• Newspaper/firelighters and matches/lighter for the wood burner/fire
• Torch

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

Lakehead Hut can be accessed on the trails Rotoiti Loop The Lake and Ultra Tour du Nelson Lakes from our trail directory.