Routeburn Flats Hut — Hotel in South Island

My first experience in a New Zealand Hut, and despite the inclement weather, it was quite special (early December).

Bunk beds, mattress, two large sleeping rooms sleeping 10 each. Relatively spacious, and it’s first come first serve in selecting the bunk beds (bookings needed on DOC website). I managed to secure a cluster of four (for my three children and me) (I suspect because of the poor weather, there were cancellations).

Cooking space clean and spacious. Gas stove included in stay to cook, but no cookware (I didn’t know! Luckily I have a small jetboil). Water drinkable straight from the tap.

The toilets were surprisingly clean and unsmelly (I’m comparing this to the toilets of Japan’s mountain huts!). They’re flushable, sit down toilets. Yes, cold, yes a short 1 second uncovered walk to the toilets but they’re really wonderful out in the trails!

A nice crackling fireplace, thanks to the truly marvelous ranger (Ranger Jo, who exudes reliability, confidence, knowledge! And the best stories — my children enjoyed her tales of keas).

The setting of the hut is stunning. Snow capped Humboldt mountains in background, beautiful meandering braided river, tucked in this valley. It was magic. My children enjoyed playing by the river, doing children things in nature: playing with rocks, building a little dam across an anabranch, hopping from little island to another. One of them even had a quick dip (it was v cold!).

It was a very easy short hike (in my opinion) to the trailhead start (Routeburn car park) but just nice for the children. It had been raining when we started, so there were numerous waterfalls along the way, and a river to ford (shin deep) to get to Flats Hut. But good fun. On way back out, all the waterfalls and the river had...

Brilliant facilities for a day hike walk or overnight. The DOC ( NZ GOVT ) must allow New Zealanders first option to book bed.nights as it has become untenable since 2014.... I have walked the astonishing Routeburn well over 20 times..and have seen it erode and become a lot less friendly..the hits are crammed beyond ridiculous... Human waste lies on the side of the track... Freedom tents are popping up more and more (against the rules) and Yes.. I attest to witnessing a RAPID decline in track etticate..... GUESS I'M just an aging old grump...but I have a infinite love for the Fiordland...

Great trak and great spot for the first night. We set up our tent on the flats and went for two hour hike into the northern branch of the river. The spot is beautiful and the facilities of the hut are great. We don't like to sleep in the huts because of the heat and how crowded they are so we slept in the tent. If you prefer to sleep in a hut and you managed to start your day early enough, try to aim to the next hut, it will save you some climb on...