James Mackay Hut
James Mackay Hut is a Department of Conservation 28-bunk backcountry hut on the Heaphy Track in Kahurangi National Park (Buller area), positioned on the edge of Mackay Downs in low forest. It opened in October 2014 and is set up for multi-day thru-hike stays on the track.
The hut has gas cooking facilities, lighting and heating, and sinks with cold running water inside. Sleeping is in individual bunk rooms with bunks and mattresses; you’ll need to bring your own sleeping bag and cooking utensils (none are supplied). Toilet facilities are flush toilets attached to the hut, and the water provided is cold and untreated. There’s no mention of showers, and the hut includes a fireplace.
Use requires bookings for the Heaphy Track huts/campsites, and prices are per person per night (Backcountry Hut Passes and Backcountry Hut Tickets can’t be used here). Rates vary by date range and visitor type: 1 Oct–30 Apr (NZ$44 adult, NZ$22 child; INT$66 adult, INT$33 child) and 1 Jul–31 Aug (NZ$30 adult, NZ$15 child; INT$30 adult, INT$15 child), with infants free.