Image: DOC
A red hut on a flat plain.
Hamilton Hut

Located in Craigieburn Forest Park in the Canterbury region

This is a serviced 20-bunk hut in the North Canterbury and Arthur's Pass area.

Hamilton Hut is on radio link to Arthur's Pass Visitor Centre, monitored during office hours:

  • 8:30 am – 4:30 pm 7 days a week except Christmas Day.

Some groups have had difficulty reaching the visitor centre on this radio so read the instructions carefully.

The hut has a log burner for heating, but you'll need your own cooker and utensils.

Fees

Backcountry Hut Passes

Passes are valid for use in this hut from 1 May to 30 September. Passes won't be accepted from 1 October to 30 April. However it is valid to use for camping within 200 metres of the huts all year round.

1 May - 30 September

  • Adult (18+ years): $25 per night
  • Child/youth (5–17 years): $12.50 per night
  • Infant (0–4 years): free

1 October - 30 April

Weekdays:

  • Adult (18+ years): $28 per night
  • Child/youth (5–17 years): $14 per night
  • Infant (0–4 years): free

Weekends:

  • Adult (18+ years): $32 per night
  • Child/youth (5–17 years): $16 per night
  • Infant (0–4 years): free

1 December - 29 February

Weekdays:

  • Adult (18+ years): $29 per night
  • Child/youth (5–17 years): $14.50 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

Te Araroa – The Trail Pass

Te Araroa Trail walkers should register and purchase the Te Araroa Trail Pass.

Fees to camp at the hut

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. 

About hut tickets and passes | About campsite passes | Retailers that sell hut tickets and passes

  • Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
  • Child (5–17 years): $5 per night
  • Infant (0 - 4 years): free

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.

Book Hamilton Hut online. 

Tracks to this hut

Location

NZTopo50 map sheet: BW20
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1488523, N5223476

Plan for crossing rivers

There are numerous river crossings along this route. Do not attempt this track during and after heavy rainfall. Rivers and major side streams can rise quickly and become dangerous. 

Ensure you have the latest weather information. If travelling this route during rainy weather take spare food in case you are stuck in the hut by rising river levels. 

DOC markers may not indicate the safest crossing point. You may need to walk upstream or downstream to find a more suitable place to cross. 

Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams

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

Do not cross if the river or stream 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

NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows