Wanaka Faces Hut

Wanaka Faces Hut is a basic backcountry hut on the shores of Lake Wānaka in the Matatiaho Conservation Area, run by the Department of Conservation. It’s intended for self-navigated travel with no DOC track access to the hut.

Access is primarily by boat, and the shoreline is exposed to strong winds. The hut is managed on a first-come, first-served basis (no bookings required). It has 2 bunk beds, and no DOC route goes to the hut—plan and navigate yourself using map, compass, and GPS.

For tramping and hunting users, the hut sits within the Lake Wānaka Faces hunting block; hunters need the relevant restricted area permit. Track closures for fawning occur annually in the area from November 20 to December 20.