Mountain Huts | What to Expect

In the mountains we base most trips from mountain huts maintained by the Department of Conservation or NZ Alpine Club. Huts are typically bolted down to rock outcrops above vast glaciers.

Alpine huts are fitted with a water supply, bunks, mattresses, blankets, benches, cooking utensils and VHF radios. Most huts have solar powered lighting.

Alpine Guides provides stoves and fuel for cooking. Fuel is carried into the mountains at the start of each trip.

Plates and cooking utensils are supplied, as is cooking equipment. It is a good idea to bring along your own plastic drinking mug.

Most huts have a small library, and you are welcome to bring along a book.

All participants are expected to assist with basic cooking and hut cleaning duties.

See the "Mount Cook Area Map" for hut locations and other details ›

Personal hygiene in the hut

Your guide will take you through “hut etiquette”. Bathroom facilities are limited to an outside toilet. Loo paper is supplied. Care must be taken with hygiene, and water supply.

There are no showers or formal washing facilities in the huts.

When washing most people use hand basins and (their own) washcloths. Use of antibacterial hand sanitiser is recommended. Clothes can be hand-washed.

Read more about personal toiletry supplies ›

How "hard" will the course be?

Are you ready? How does Mt Cook compare to Mount Aspiring? Read about Trip Difficulty ›

Is your gear suitable for mountaineering?

Do you have questions about your existing equipment? See our guide to Equipment for Mountaineering in New Zealand ›