Thomas River Hut
Thomas River Hut is a standard six-bunk backcountry hut in the Haast, Paringa & Moeraki Rivers area (West Coast). It’s run by the Department of Conservation for South Westland backcountry stays. Use is on a first-come, first-served basis—standard bookings aren’t required, but you must carry a hut ticket for each night and place it in the honesty box at the hut (or use a Backcountry Hut Pass where applicable).
Facilities include sleeping with mattresses, a fireplace, and toilets with pit latrine disposal. Fees are charged for stays through 30 June 2026 ($10 per night for adults 18+, $5 per night for youth 5–17, and free for children/infants 0–4); fees and hut/sole occupancy rates change from 1 July 2026. The hut page also highlights river-crossing caution for unbridged rivers or side streams—turn back or wait if conditions make crossings unsafe.