Banfield Hut

Banfield Hut is a Canterbury Mountaineering Club backcountry hut in the lower Rakaia River valley, with access managed through Lake Heron Station / Glenfalloch Station. It’s a non-bookable, first-come, first-served hut, aimed at climbers and trampers working in the lower Rakaia and Jagged Stream country.

The hut provides 6 bunks with foam mattresses, plus a stainless steel bench, rainwater tank, solar lighting, and an area map. There’s also a long-drop toilet outside; fire equipment includes a fire extinguisher and fire blanket. No DOC hut tickets are valid for CMC huts.

Use and payment are handled by the club: hut use is free for CMC members, while non-members pay $10 per night. Camping (separate from hut fees) is $5 per night for non-members. Fees aren’t what secure a bed—being first-come gives you the only claim to space.