Big Hut
Big Hut is a historic backcountry hut in the Rock and Pillar Conservation Area (Coastal Otago), managed by Strath Taieri Agriculture & Rural Tourism (START) for the Department of Conservation. It has 16 bunk beds and is open year-round with standard bookings required; winter can bring snow and ice, and there’s no vehicle access below Summit Ridge.
Inside, there’s a gas cooker plus cookware/cutlery/plates, with two bunkrooms and a large common room (including a table tennis table). Water is available from rainwater and nearby streams—boil all water before use. Facilities include a pit latrine toilet. Adult fees are $12 per night and child fees are $7 per night; day use is by donation, and bookings are handled through START (donations are welcomed).