11 October 2026
Showers, becoming few and far between in the afternoon, then clearing to fine in the evening.
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1 / 1Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Empress Hut
This is an alpine serviced 12-bunk hut in the Aoraki/Mount Cook area. The route to Empress Hut is highly technical and only suitable for very experienced mountaineers.
Hut category
Serviced Alpine
Capacity
12 bunks
Booking
Not required
Alerts for Empress Hut
Outdoor alert
Outdoor alert
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park forecast
Issued 11 Oct 2026, 7:33 am
12 October 2026
Cloudy periods about and west of the Divide, Fine to the east.
13 October 2026
Showers turning to heavy rain in the afternoon. Snow lowering to 2300 metres in the morning.
14 October 2026
Rain, with heavy falls. Snow lowering to 1900 metres.
15 October 2026
Showers, with snow to 1200 metres.
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About Empress Hut
This is an alpine serviced 12-bunk hut in the Aoraki/Mount Cook area. The route to Empress Hut is highly technical and only suitable for very experienced mountaineers.
Essential preparation for Empress Hut
The route to Empress Hut is highly technical and only suitable for very experienced mountaineers. The approach and conditions change constantly through the year, depending on the snowpack. There are multiple hazards. Mountaineering routes to/from Empress Hut are included in Aoraki Tai Poutini: A guide for mountaineers by Rob Frost. It is available for sale at the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre or on the New Zealand Alpine Club website . Backcountry Hut Passes and Backcountry Hut Tickets cannot be used at this hut. Nightly fees are $20 ($10 New Zealand Alpine Club members, free for Canterbury Mountain Club members). Pay at Aoraki/Mount Cook Visitor Centre. Take care to avoid fire. Candles are not permitted as they put huts at risk. All huts are equipped with fire extinguishers and fire blankets for smothering flames. Carry out all your rubbish and remember to fill in the hut book
Facilities at Empress Hut
- Mattresses
- Lighting
- Toilets - non-flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Check before you stay
Availability, fees, facilities, water and access can change. Confirm the latest hut information and alerts, carry suitable equipment, and be prepared for the hut to be full.