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Upper Caples Hut
GPS Location 44°50'37.7"S 168°13'17.0"E
Sleeps 16


Mid Greenstone Hut
GPS Location 44°57'59.1"S 168°13'15.5"E
Sleeps 12

About the Deerstalker Huts

The Southern Lakes New Zealand Deerstalkers Association (NZDA) are a “non for profit” organisation that manages both the Mid Greenstone hut and the Upper Caples Hut. These huts are available to stay in and you do not need to be a member of the club to stay there.

We collect a small fee which goes towards the maintenance and upkeep of the huts which is carried out by volunteers from the club.

The Upper Caples Hut was previously a DOC hut until Feb 2014, and it was built circ.1980. 
A newer and bigger hut was built lower down in the valley (Now Mid Caples Hut) and the track was made wider and easier over the saddle to make the walk more accessible and quicker to and from the McKellar Hut.

The Mid Greenstone Hut was also previously a DOC hut until 2004, and was built circ.1980.  After these tracks became more popular, a bigger hut was built on the old Sly Burn Hut Location (still marked on old maps) and this DOC hut is confusingly called just the Greenstone Hut.

As a result of the huts no longer needed by DOC, the Southern Lakes Branch of the NZDA were given the opportunity to put in a proposal to look after the huts for private use for the members , hunters, fishermen and hikers.  

Detailed information about each hut is on their relevant page. Please take a minute to read about the facilities and download the directions to the huts. They are NOT signposted.

Understanding the various hut options 

GREENSTONE - CAPLES CIRCUIT

Starting From Glenorchy End

 Queenstown to Car Park
 Allow 2 hours or book the bus
(Please check road conditions if raining as 3 streams to cross)

Greenstone Carpark to DOC Mid Caples Hut,
9 kms, 2.5 - 3 hrs

DOC Mid Caples Hut,
Can't book. Just turn up.

Mid Caples Hut to NZDA Upper Caples Hut, 
7 kms, 2 hrs

NZDA Upper Caples Hut
Private. Can book.

NZDA Upper Caples to DOC Mc Keller Hut,
15kms, 4 - 5 hrs

DOC McKellar Hut,
Can't book. Just turn up. 

DOC McKeller Hut to NZDA Mid Greenstone Hut.
12 kms, 3.5 - 5 hrs

NZDA Mid Greenstone Hut
Private. Can book.

NZDA Mid Greenstone Hut to DOC Greenstone Hut
6kms, 1 - 1.5 hrs

DOC Greenstone Hut. Can't book. Just turn up.

DOC Greenstone Hut to Greenstone Carpark, 12km, 3-4hrs

 Car Park to Queenstown
 Allow 2 hours or book the bus


Cost to stay in the huts

  • FREE if you are a local and active member of the Southern Lakes Branch
  • $10 per person per night for National NZDA members
  • $25 per person per night for non members

PLUS a $50 refundable key deposit.

(Your fees and honesty are much appreciated as the money goes into hut maintenance and general supplies for the hut.)

Booking the Huts

1. Check availability on the online availability diary, however some members do book last minute so may not be on there when you look. Unless pre-arranged, do not presume exclusive use of the hut.

2. When you have read about the hut and want to book, please complete the online booking form. You will need to complete 2 forms if staying at both huts

3. Completing the booking form will automatically send you a confirmation and send an email to us and we will update the calendar. You also receive instructions to confirm where to collect and pay for the keys.

4. Once booked, it is a good idea to download any maps and directions to the hut if you are unfamiliar with the area.

If you are hunting or fishing, it is your responsibility to obtain the correct permits. We recommend you check weather and track conditions. The Department of Conservation website or local office in Queenstown or Te Anau are the best for track updates as they maintain and monitor these.

Cancellations

You only pay when you collect the keys, so if you decide not to go and do not collect the keys ; there are no cancellation fees. 

We would much prefer you change or cancel dates if the weather is not suitable or safe 


Suggested 3 day itinerary 

Starting From Glenorchy End

Greenstone Carpark to NZDA Upper Caples Hut
16km, 4.5-5hrs

NZDA Upper Caples Hut
Private. Can book.

NZDA Upper Caples to DOC Mc Keller Hut,
15kms, 4 - 5 hrs

DOC McKellar Hut,
Can't book. Just turn up. 

DOC McKeller Hut to NZDA Mid Greenstone Hut.
12 kms, 3.5 - 5 hrs

NZDA Mid Greenstone Hut
Private. Can book.

NZDA Mid Greenstone Hut to Car park 
18km, 4-5.5hrs


Key Collection 

Security keys are kept at a sports shop in central Queenstown “Small Planet in Shotover Street“.

They are open every day: 7 days a week 9am – 6pm, and stock a greeat selection of outdoor gear and dried food if you forget anything. 
The only exception to these hours is 25th Dec and 25th April (Anzac day) when it is best to check by phoning them in advance Ph +64 (03) 442 6393 

The team at Small Planet kindly hold the keys and take payment on behalf of the club. You only need to pay when you collect the keys. PLEASE pay in exact cash as there are no EFTPOS or credit card facilities. Ideally bring the $50 key deposit in exact cash too as it is just held in an envelope until you return the key.

You only need to pay for the nights you stay at the hut however we realize you may need to collect keys in advance while staying in another hut along the way. We have a number cut for this reason.
Let us know in the comments when booking so we can keep track of the keys or you can email info@southernlakesnzda.org.nz if you need them from Te Anau or from Queenstown airport in advance (if you are helicoptering in)



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