Māori Saddle Hut
Māori Saddle Hut is a Department of Conservation standard 10-bunk backcountry hut in the Haast, Paringa & Moeraki Rivers area of New Zealand’s West Coast. It’s a good base for multi-day trips in the South Westland area, with on-site sleeping gear provided (mattresses) and a fireplace for shelter warmth/cooking needs.
Use is first come, first served—standard hut bookings aren’t required—but you do need a Standard Hut Ticket (one per night) placed in the honesty box, or a Backcountry Hut Pass for unlimited use at most Standard and Serviced huts for a 12-month period. Fees are $10 per night for adults (18+), $5 per night for youth (5–17), and free for children/infants (0–4). Water is untreated, and the hut has toilets with pit-latrine disposal; if you’re crossing unbridged rivers or side streams on the way in, plan for safe entry/exit and avoid crossings when flooded.