This hut is a treasure. Originally a railway station in the Ida Valley, it was relocated to be used as a mustering hut. It oozes character, and provides an opportunity for you to stay in the vast tussock country – an experience that is sure to be memorable.
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.
Travel on 4WD tracks from either Home Hills Road on Johnstone Creek Track or from Mt Buster Road. Both routes are recomended for experienced 4WDrivers.
Johnstone Creek Track: From Home Hills Road (720m), the narrow rough track climbs steeply onto the Hawkdun Range (1620m). The track follows along the crest of the range then follows Walking Spur to Ida Railway Hut. This track links to Mount Buster Track with two steep climbs and a ford river crossing.
Mount Buster Track has numerous river crossings, turn left after Tailings Hut and there is a steep decline to a ford river crossing. The track then climbs up onto a plateau to Ida Railway Hut.
Location
NZTopo50 map sheet: CB15
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1375398, N5029831
Call the visitor centre before departing to ensure tracks are open. Due to weather events, the track is sometimes closed or in poor condition.
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.
Weather forecast
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 |