John Tait Hut
John Tait Hut is a serviced 27-bunk hut in Nelson Lakes National Park, run by the Department of Conservation in the Nelson/Tasman region. It sits below an avalanche path, so it isn’t safe to use during winter storms that can load the upper slopes enough for snow to reach the hut or valley floor. The hut has a winter operating limit tied to avalanche risk: avoid using it when snow extends down to the valley floor.
Bookings are required for stays, with online booking opening for dates up to 30 June 2027. Keep to the hut rules for fire and wood: no firewood is supplied from May to September, and you should gather only dead wood; don’t fell or break live branches. The hut uses untreated water supply and has toilets (pit latrine disposal). Fees apply, and backcountry hut passes are valid from 1 May to 30 September; outside those dates, passes aren’t accepted for stays, though they can still be used for camping within 200 metres of the huts (all year). Te Araroa Trail walkers need the Te Araroa Trail Pass and should register and purchase it for use in this hut.