Wire Yards Hut

Wire Yards Hut is a Department of Conservation basic mustering hut in Oteake Conservation Park’s Mount Ida Conservation Area, used for backcountry stays in the tussock country around the Hawkdun Range. It has 4 bunk beds and a gravel hut floor, with no toilets at the hut.

Use is first come, first served—no bookings are required—and there’s a fireplace inside, so bring wood (there are few trees in the surrounding tussock landscape). To reach the hut, travel on 4WD tracks from either Home Hills Road on Johnstone Creek Track or from Mt Buster Road, with both routes suited to experienced 4W drivers; the tracks can be affected by weather and may be closed or in poor condition, so confirm track openness before setting out.

While you’re passing through, plan to use DOC’s hut intentions book to record your group details, dates, and planned route from the hut as an important aid for search and rescue if you don’t return as expected.