Growler Hut
Growler Hut is a backcountry hut in the Rangitata and Rakaia Rivers area, within Te Kahui Kaupeka Conservation Park (Canterbury). Managed by the Department of Conservation, it’s a standard hut with 8 bunk beds and no reservation requirement—use follows a first come, first served pattern. Fees apply for stays: adult (18+) $10 per night, youth (5–17) $5 per night, and children/infants (0–4) are free; you buy a Standard Hut Ticket for each night and place it in the honesty box at the hut.
The hut setup includes mattresses, a fireplace, and toilets with pit latrine disposal. Water is not provided, so plan to bring enough for drinking and cooking. Getting there takes backcountry experience: the 4WD track starts at the Bush Stream Carpark just past Mesopotamia Station, then the route enters river country—access involves crossing the Rangitata River and the Havelock River, with multiple crossings of these and sidestreams that depend on safe flow conditions; be ready to turn back if flooding or unsafe crossing conditions develop.