11 October 2026
Showers, becoming few and far between in the afternoon, then clearing to fine in the evening.
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1 / 7Nelson Lakes National Park
John Tait Hut
This is a serviced 25-bunk hut in the Nelson Lakes area.
Hut category
Serviced
Capacity
25 bunks
Booking
Required
Alerts for John Tait Hut
No water at John Tait Hut
There is no water in the tank at John Tait Hut (until it is refilled by rain). Water can be sourced from the nearby stream, and boiled before use. First published on 10 August 2026. Last reviewed on 8 October 2026.
No firewood at Angelus Hut
There is no firewood at Angelus Hut. Visitors should be prepared to stay without heating. First published on 15 September 2026.
Damaged foot-bridge south of Cascade Track
The small foot-bridge just south of Hukere Stream/Cascade Track is damaged. It is possible to cross the stream – however this may become uncrossable during periods of rain. Caution is required. Map of foot-bridge location (PDF, 41K). There is a plan for a new foot-bridge to be installed. This alert will be removed once work is completed. First published on 8 July 2026. Last reviewed on 11 September 2026.
Outdoor alert
Outdoor alert
Nelson Lakes National Park forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 9:23 pm
12 October 2026
Fine, but becoming overcast in the evening.
13 October 2026
Showers.
14 October 2026
Rain, with heavy falls.
15 October 2026
Showers, some heavy, falling as snow above 1300 metres.
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John Tait Hut on the map
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About John Tait Hut
This is a serviced 25-bunk hut in the Nelson Lakes area.
Essential preparation for John Tait Hut
John Tait Hut is named after a Scotsman who emigrated to New Zealand after the Second World War and joined the Nelson Tramping Club. He climbed Mt Travers during a summer holiday with his family and saw the need for a shelter well up the Travers Valley. It was largely thanks to his fundraising efforts that the first John Tait Hut was completed in 1951. By the 1970s, its size no longer met the needs of the increasingly popular Travers Valley. Rangers George Lyon and Bruce Postill constructed a larger replacement in a sunnier nearby clearing, completed in 1978. There is avalanche danger at this hut This hut is located below an avalanche path. It is not safe to stay in this hut during winter storms that may load the upper slopes with sufficient snow to reach the hut, or when snow is down to the valley floor. It would be possible for the hut to be hit by avalanche debris in these conditions. Alternative hut options are Upper Travers Hut (2 hours 30 min from John Tait Hut), Coldwater Hut and Lakehead Hut (both 4 hours 30 min from John Tait Hut). There is also the option to camp in the lower valley, away from avalanche danger. Identified avalanche paths are signposted. No firewood supplied from May to September. Gather dead wood from surrounding forests. Do not fell or break branches off live trees. Bookings are required.
Facilities at John Tait Hut
- Heating
- Mattresses
- Toilets - non-flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Walking tracks near John Tait Hut
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.