Mataketake Hut
Mataketake Hut is an 8-bunk backcountry hut run by the Department of Conservation on the Mataketake Tops Route area. It’s set up for public overnight stays and includes a fireplace and mattresses; pit toilets are available on-site.
Plan on using serviced bookings (rather than first-come access): reservations are required, and the booking is for a bunk bed rather than a specific numbered bunk. Adult pricing is $25 per night, with Youth (11–17 years) at $12.50 per night and Child/infant (10 years and under) free. The hut opened in February 2021 and is owned and maintained by the Backcountry Trust; you’ll need to bring your own cooking tools such as a gas cooker.
Access is via either Māori Saddle Route (recommended) or Mica Mine Route. The tops routes can be affected by snow in winter, and Mica Mine Route should only be attempted in clear weather; tracks can cross small streams that flood quickly after rainfall, so delay crossings until water levels drop. The trip duration is about 9 hours one way from SH6 and difficulty is expert.