Image: DOC
Kellys Hunters Hut.
Kellys Hunters Hut

Located in Stewart Island/Rakiura hunting and Rakiura National Park and Stewart Island/Rakiura in the Southland region

This is a basic six-bunk hut in the Stewart Island/Rakiura area.

Hunters huts in Rakiura National Park were built and are maintained by the Rakiura Hunter Camps Charitable Trust. They are for accommodating hunters who have booked the surrounding hunting blocks. These huts must be booked and paid for through the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre. 

Hunter huts offer very basic shelter with limited facilities and services. They have:

  • multi-fuel burners - take your own dry firewood
  • tank water supply (1000 litres, rainwater)
  • mattresses
  • stainless steel bench inside and outside
  • a meat safe
  • a toilet
  • an axe or saw, a broom, and a dust pan.

They don't have:

  • cooking options and utensils.

Get more details of individual huts on the Trust website.  

History of the hut

The hut was built in 2001 by Gore Branch NZ Deerstalkers' Association members David McFadzien, Kevin Baxter, Ivan Sellwood, Phil Sellwood, Allan Patterson, Geordie Milne, Owen Milnes, Scott Damsteegh and Steve Hogg. It was funded by the Gore, Wellington, North Canterbury, West Coast, Waikato and Malvern branches of  the NZ Deerstalkers' Association.

Fees

  • $30 per person for the length of your stay, up to 10 days maximum.

For example, 1 night will cost $30, or 9 nights will cost $30.

Bookings

Bookings are essential - book through the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre.

This is a backcountry hut with no DOC track access. You will need to plan your route and navigate yourself, using aids like a map, compass and GPS. Learn navigation skills.

Location

NZTopo50 map sheet: CJ10
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1233449, N4775473

Boil water before use

Water at this hut is not treated and needs to be boiled before use. High rat numbers on Stewart Island/Rakiura increase the risk of tank water being contaminated.

Stay safe when crossing rivers

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

How to cross rivers safely