Image: Stefan Marks | Creative Commons
Brown Hut.
Brown Hut

Located in Kahurangi National Park in the Nelson/Tasman region

This is a 16-bunk hut located on the Heaphy Track in the Golden Bay area.

This is one of seven Great Walk huts on the Heaphy Track. 

It's on the edge of Brown River and a 5 min walk from the start of the track at the Golden Bay end.

The hut a good place to stay if you're wanting an early start on the track the next day or if the fords on the road out are flooded. It's also close to the Aorere River which offers trout fishing and gold panning.

Facilities

All huts on the Heaphy Track have heating, long drop toilets supplied with toilet paper, and cold running water.

There are no gas cooking facilities at Brown Hut, unlike some huts on the track. Bring your own cooker and cooking utensils. There is also no lighting in this hut. There are no showers in any of the huts.

All huts have communal sleeping arrangements and in Brown Hut there are platform bunks. Mattresses are provided but you'll need to bring your own sleeping bag.

Hut rangers move between huts in the summer. As well as checking hut bookings, they are able to provide information about the track and weather.

Fees

1 October – 30 April

New Zealand citizens and those ordinarily resident in New Zealand*:

  • Adult (18+ years): $44 per person, per night
  • Child (5 to 17 years): $22 per person, per night

International visitors:

  • Adult (18+ years): $66 per person, per night
  • Child (0 to 17 years): $33 per person, per night

Proof of eligibility is required for the New Zealand rate.

1 May – 30 June

For all visitors:

  • Adult (18+ years): $38 per person, per night
  • Child (5 to 17 years): $19 per person, per night

1 July – 31 August

For all visitors:

  • Adult (18+ years): $30 per person, per night
  • Child (5 to 17 years): $15 per person, per night

1 – 30  September

For all visitors:

  • Adult (18+ years): $38 per person, per night
  • Child (5 to 17 years): $19 per person, per night

Backcountry Hut Passes and Backcountry Hut Tickets cannot be used at this hut.

Bookings

Brown Hut is at the end of Aorere Valley Rd.

  • Leave Collingwood via the Collingwood-Bainham Main Rd.
  • After 18 km this road turns into Aorere Valley Rd.
  • Continue on Aorere Valley Rd to the end of the road.
  • After 13.5 km you'll arrive at the Heaphy Track car park and shelter.

Tracks to this hut

Location

Brown Hut is at the start of the Heaphy Track at the Golden Bay end.

NZTopo50 map sheet: BP23
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1553434, N5477680