If you’re looking for overnight hikes near Queenstown, you’ve got quite a few options thanks to the epic hut system.
This post will contain four lovely overnight hikes near Queenstown that suit a variety of abilities.
Sidenotes:
Before getting into the heart of the post, here’s a map of where the huts are (not the trailheads). And below the map, I’ll answer a few of the common questions around the best overnight hikes near Queenstown, and which hut I think is best. Clicking on this image will open the map in a new window.
Best for families?
Meg Hut.
Best overnight hike for sunset?
McIntosh Hut.
Best overnight hike for sunrise?
Heather Jock Hut.
Best overnight hike near Queenstown in winter?
Meg Hut.
Shortest walk to a hut?
Crystal Hut.
Side Note: As of late 2021, you can no longer stay at Sam Summers Hut on the Mount Crichton Loop Track (day use only).
THE 4 OVERNIGHT HIKES NEAR QUEENSTOWN
1. Crystal Hut
2. Meg Hut
3. McIntosh Hut
4. Heather Jock Hut
1. CRYSTAL HUT
How much does the hut cost? Free.
How long is the hike to the hut (and back)? 5km.
How hard is the track? Easy.
The road down to Skippers Canyon can be treacherous (not all rental car companies allow you to drive down here) in the wet, but is fine if it’s dry. It’s amazing once you get to Skipper’s campground and park up though. There’s some historic sites you can check out before heading out to Crystal Battery Hut.
This is a short walk to the hut along some single trail that starts in the open before going through a bit of forest. The hut comes out of nowhere, and there are certainly no crystals on it. It’s an old hut, but the interior is amazing. There’s a proper setup with a table, shelves, and cutlery. And apparently, you can even hook up the shower to generate hot water, but we weren’t that clever!
The hut doesn’t have any amazing views, but it’s very relaxing with the stream nearby
Sidenote: unless we’re blind, we had no idea where the toilet was.
2. MEG HUT
How much does the hut cost?
Adults: $10/night
Youth: $5/night
Child (under 10 years): Free.
Or use your Backcountry Hut Pass.
How long is the hike to the hut (and back)? 14km.
How hard is the track? Easy – medium.
My first trip to Meg Hut was after a failed attempt at a river crossing on the Little Criffel Track, and I’m so glad I got to discover this track and hut.
The track to the hut isn’t super exciting as you follow a 4WD trail from close to Cardona, but the views are nice and it makes for a straightforward hike the majority of the way.
The last section which descends down into the valley where the hut is, is magical and gives you a feeling you’re miles away from anything. There are several trails near the hut to explore, but the hut is big enough where you can just hang out comfortably. And the fireplace means this is a great overnight hike in winter option too (being some firewood up from near the car park if you can).
READ THE FULL POST: THE MEG HUT TRACK
3. MCINTOSH HUT
How much does the hut cost? Free.
How long is the hike to the hut (and back)? Medium to hard.
How hard is the track? Medium – hard.
The McIntosh Loop Track shares a part of the same trail as the next hut on this list, but this hut is the lesser-known of the two (I think).
The trail up to the hut is steep, but the views are worth it…as are most of the hikes in and around Glenorchy.
You might be tempted to stay the night at McIntyre Hut which you pass on the route, but keep chugging away to McIntosh Hut. Once you reach the hut, there’s plenty of room to soak in the rays.
For those who can’t sit still, you can look into going up to Black Peak beyond the hut,
READ THE FULL POST: THE MCINTOSH LOOP TRACK
4. HEATHER JOCK HUT
How much does the hut cost? Free.
How long is the hike to the hut (and back)? 16 – 17km.
How hard is the track? Medium.
The Heather Jock Hut is fun, with a circuit of huts (all of which are day use only) to visit on the way to Heather Jock Hut at the very top of the track.
It’s quite a steep hike in general, but the track is in good condition the majority of the way so you won’t have too much issue.
You get both a great sunset and sunrise from the hut which is fun..and you can get here in winter easily, provided the snow levels aren’t crazy early.
From the hut, there are a couple of peaks you can walk beyond to explore for the super motivated (Mount Alaska and Mount Larkings).
READ THE FULL POST: THE MOUNT JUDAH LOOP TRAIL
And there we go, four fun huts you can hike to, and spend a night.
If you’ve got any questions about these overnight hikes near Queenstown, or other options, leave a comment below or email jub@churnewzealand.com
Have a great hike!
If you haven’t got time for an overnight hike, keep in mind there are heaps of amazing walks in Queenstown to do.
Heading to Wanaka next? Check out these 5 overnight hikes near Wanaka.
Hey, it’s Jub here. I’m the guy behind Chur New Zealand, helping you have the best time hiking, trekking, walking…whatever you want to call it…in NZ. I’m based in Queenstown and am always out and about exploring trails, old & new. If you have any questions, reach out.
Thanks for your recommendation for Meg Hut we went there as a family a few weeks ago with out 8 and 11 year old and absolutely loved it. No one else there and gorgeous weather. Not once did anyone complain of boredom and had a lot of fun. I think all my friends are bored of me raving on about it 🙂
Hey Caroline,
Stoked you enjoyed Meg Hut with the fam! It would have been the perfect time for it too. I’ll be up there this summer no doubt but won’t be counting on getting the hut to ourselves.
Thanks for sharing and have a great summer if you are in NZ.
Cheers,
Jub