New Zealand Huts (B)

New Zealand Huts

New Zealand Huts starting with B

Ballard From: Dan Eldercamp Date: November 2006 Where: Kaweka Forest Park, map Terramap "Kaweka & Kaimanawa" Description: DOC (4) Access: 5 - 6 hours Middle Hill hut, 3 - 4 hours from Tira Lodge, 4 - 6 hours from Makino hut, and approx. 6 - 7 hours to Makahu Saddle via Dominie Biv. Times very dependent on weather and presence of snow. Comments: The hut was renovated shortly before our visit, and is very cosy and snug. The woodburner is an absolute delight in cold weather. Bunks with foam mattresses, water and toilet. It's a 200m descent from the main track on the ridge, and the only way out is back up the next morning! Worthwhile, though - beautiful setting near a stream, with grand views.	Balloon Date: 29 December 1996 Where: Tablelands, Kahurangi National Park Description: DOC (16) Access: 2 easy hours from Salisbury Hut, 3 hours over from the Cobb Valley. Comments: Gas cooker and heater. Great views of the Arthur Range and over the headwaters of the Leslie River (from Balloon Hill). First hut constructed in 1909, another hut built next door in 1963 and the current hut replacing them in Feb. 1995.
Bark Bay Date: 3 February 1999 Where: Bark Bay on the Abel Tasman coastline. Description: DOC (28) Access: 3.5 hours from The Anchorage and Anchorage Hut. 4 hours from Awaroa Hut. Easy hiking in both directions. Comments: An impressive hut with a large living/cooking area and 2 sleeping rooms. A few metres from the beach (which vanishes at high tide) and the lagoon behind a long sand spit.	Barlow From: Dan Eldercamp Date: January 2008 Where: Ruahine Forest Park, topomaps 260-U22 Ongaonga and U21 Kereru Description: DOC (10) Access: From carpark at end of Wakarara road, approx 3 hours up Makaroro river, situated on true right bank. Comments: Nice, cosy Lockwood-style hut built from tongue & groove pine on true right bank. Sleeping platforms with mattresses. Inside sink bench, pantry and woodburner (Corker Cooker) stove. Has covered porch at back of hut with woodbox and back door into hut. Toilet. Water from river. Some space for camping if required.
Belltown Manunui From: Dan Eldercamp Date: Feb 07 Where: Kahurangi National Park, topomap 260-L27 Karamea Description: DOC (10) Access: 3.5 Hours from Wangapeka Road carpark, walking west to east. Situated at confluence of Drain Creek and Little Wanganui River, GR 462838. Note that DoC Parkmap 274-13, 2004 edition shows incorrect location Comments: Nice, spacious little hut, with good atmosphere. Woodburner, water and toilet. Sleeping platforms with mattresses. Close to river, with some decent swimming holes. Sandflies not too bad! Two hut tickets required.	Big Hut From: David Barnes Date: 20 June 2004 Where: Rock and Pillar Conservation Park, Central Otago Description:Rock and Pillar Hut Trust (10 bunks, 25 if pre-booked & trust warden is on site). Access: Up a poled DoC easement from SH87 to the conservation land boundary and then on to the summit plateau. Comments: A former ski club hut originally opened in 1946. The hut has been owned by the Otago Ski Club and the Otago Tramping and Mountaineering Club. Now owned by the Rock and Pillar Hut Trust, which is looking doing a fantastic job of restoring it, and making a DoC proposal to remove it a few years ago look very silly. In winter, you can cross country ski from the door. See Big Hut for more info.
Blue Range Date: 14 December 1996 Where: Blue Range, Tararua Forest Park. Description: MTC (8) Access: 2-3 hours from the Kiriwhakapapa road end, 2 hours over to Cow Creek Hut. Comments: A wonderfully blue hut set at the back of a small clearing. Stove and tank water. 4 double-width bunks (3 mattresses). Amusing collection of signs from the 'For Sale' by the water tank to 'Psychiatric Centre' at the door. There are maps of the lower North Island plastered on the ceiling. Well worth the short diversion even if headed straight to Cow Creek. NB. Long-drop (toilet) is nearly full and needs a door.	Blyth From: Neil Richardson Where: Southern side of Mt Ruapehu, Tongiriro National Park Description: DOC (22) Access: About 1.5 hours from the Turoa skifield road. Comments: Very good spot for further exploring on the Mountain, very good log burner stove for heating. A picture from a distance is here. Picure courtesy of: Tony Graham
Boyle Flats From: Steve Hudson Where: St James Conservation Area. Description: DOC, 12 Bunks. Serviced Access: 5 hrs from Boyle Village, SH 7, Lewis Pass Highway. 6 Hrs from Anne Hut. Comments: Cross the swing bridge over the Boyle River to the hut which sits on an open terrace. Firewood and tank water supplied.	Brown From: Dan Eldercamp Date: Feb 2007 Where: Kahurangi National Park, map ref DoC Parkmap 274-13 Kahurangi Description: DOC (16) Access: From Aorere Valley Road end, 5 minutes. The next hut on the Heaphy Track is Perry Saddle which is 5 to 5.5 hours away (all uphill!). Comments: First hut on the Heaphy Track, if walking from East to West. Primarily used by people making a late start. Has fireplace, water and bunks with mattresses. On a "Great Walks" track - booking required.
Browning Date: 31 December 1999 Where: Below Totara Saddle, Richmond Forest Park Description: DOC (8) Access: 5 hours from Roebuck Hut, 4 hours down from Rocks Hut, 1.5 hours from Hacket Hut, 3 hours from the Hacket Creek picnic area. Comments: Water from the nearby creek. Nice and bright inside due to skylights. Some wasps and mosquitoes seen and mice suspected.	Bushline Date: 26 December 1997 Where: Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes National Park Description: DOC (14) Access: 2-3 hours from the Mt. Robert carpark by either the Pinchgut or Paddy's Tracks, 4-7 hours over to Angelus Hut. Comments:A cute hut with a grand outlook over Lake Rotoiti and down to St Arnaud. Loo with a view!