The 4WD track is open to vehicles between Labour weekend and 30 April, but may be closed at any time if susceptible to damage.
Image gallery
The trip to Tailings Hut is an adventure in itself; the 4WD track has numerous river crossings and steep rocky sections. Travelling through this vast tussock country with big skies reveals a Graham Sydney painting in every direction.
Tailings Hut is a product of three huts with different histories. The two bunkrooms were once single man quarters used for construction of the Roxburgh Hydro Dam. The larger building, built in the 1930s by farmers who previously held the occupation licence for the site, is now the kitchen.
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
- Youth (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
- Child/Infant (0–4 years): free
Before you go, buy a hut ticket online for each night's stay. You can print or display the digital ticket on your device, or write down the ticket and confirmation numbers to take with you. You can also buy a Backcountry Hut Pass that allows you to stay at non-bookable DOC huts for a 12 month period.
From Naseby turn into Mount Buster Road. Continue to the end of Mt Buster Road on the 4WD track to Tailings Hut. It is 2 hr travel in a vehicle from the start of Oteake Conservation Park to the hut. Leave gates as you find them.
Tracks to this hut
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Duration: 4–5 hr (Tailings Hut, past Hut Creek Hut to Conservation Boundary) Difficulty: Advanced
Location
NZTopo50 map sheet: CB16
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1381982, N5029195
Tailings Hut has a shared use arrangement with leaseholders for mustering purposes. Contact the DOC office to check its availability and find out about track conditions.
This hut has a fireplace and it is a good idea to take wood with you as there are few trees in this tussock landscape.
Wānaka Tititea/Mount Aspiring National Park
Visitor Centre
| Phone: | +64 3 443 7660 |
| WhatsApp: | +64 27 269 6871 |
| Email: | wanakavc@doc.govt.nz |
| Hours: | Visitor centre hours and services |