Stafford Hut
Jackson Bay - Gorge River area • West Coast
Alerts
Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.
- About
- This is a standard six-bunk hut in the South Westland area.
- Facilities
- Heating
- Mattresses
- Toilets - non-flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
- Water supply
About this hut
Heritage
In 1875 there was a major attempt to move settlers into the area. At that time 12 families lived on the banks of the Smoothwater River. Two years later all the families had moved on, driven away by wet weather, swampy soil, big rivers and the lack of a wharf.
In 1972 the site was a deer-hunting base and the Stafford Hut was flown in. Carcasses were stored in a freezer beside the hut and flown out regularly by helicopter.
Fees and bookings
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
- Youth (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
- Child/Infant (0–4 years): free
Before you go, buy Hut Tickets for each night's stay. Put these in the honesty box at the hut. Or buy a Backcountry Hut Pass that gives unlimited use at most Standard and Serviced huts for a 12 month period.
Booking and paying | Backcountry Hut Tickets | Retailers that sell hut tickets and passes
Getting there
Tracks to this hut
Location
NZTopo50 map sheet: BY10
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1242801, N5118901
Know before you go
Waterways on the West Coast rise and fall very quickly and you are advised not to attempt crossing any waterway in heavy rain. Wait until water levels drop before proceeding.
Nearby
Weather
Forecast at the hut