Kōhanga Atawhai – Manson Nicholls Hut

About this hut

Kōhanga Atawhai – Manson Nicholls Hut sits on the edge of Lake Daniell. You can swim in the shallow lake in the summer or fish for trout.

Facilities

• Bunks in 2 bunkrooms. 
• Water source – cold water from rain collection tank.
• Heating.
• Space for camping outside the hut.
• Dedicated fire pits at the hut. Fires are not allowed outside these fire pits.
• Jetty.

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

Heritage

The original hut on this site, Manson-Nicholls Memorial Hut, was constructed in 1976 by members of the Christchurch Tramping Club and The Lake Daniell's Fishing Club in memory of three young trampers who lost their lives nearby in 1974. Brian and Sharon Manson and Phillip Nicholls were killed by a landslide while they sheltered from appalling weather in the old Lake Daniell Fishing Club Hut which was located on the opposite side of the lake.

The current hut was designed and built especially for families and school groups using innovative, sustainable building techniques. It was completed in March 2020.

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

1 October - 30 April

Weekdays:

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

1 December - 29 February

Weekdays:

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

Weekends:

• Adult (18+ years): $38 per night
• Child/youth (5–17 years): $19 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.

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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

Kōhanga Atawhai – Manson Nicholls Hut can be accessed on the trail Daniells Dash from our trail directory.