A Brief Guide to Waimakariri Falls Hut

3 days exploring the headwaters of the mighty Waimakariri

What better way to work off Christmas indulgences than to spend a few days in the mountains lugging around a heavy pack! This solo tramp to Waimakariri Falls Hut was undertaken on 27-29 December 2024, and unbelievably for a fine weather window in the holiday break, I barely saw anyone. Thankfully, a circus of kea kept me company throughout most of my stay.

The hut, sitting at around the 1,300m contour, is located in a spectacular alpine basin and right beside a canyon through which the Waimakariri thunders.  Equipped with 6 bunks and a cooking bench, it’s a cosy wee spot to spend a night or two. Payment must be made through the Canterbury Mountaineering Club website (DOC tickets aren’t valid). Limited tent sites are also available in the vicinity.

The tramp was incredible although not quite the one I’d planned. I’d intended to do a full traverse over Waimakariri Col and then down the Rolleston River to Otira. But somewhat unexpectedly, extensive snow lingered at higher elevations and I hadn’t packed the right equipment for that sort of crossing. But not to worry, as I simply needed to return the way I came, and even on repeat that was a beautiful way to spend some time.

Please watch the video below for a highlights package (a route map is also provided in the first 30 seconds).

Video highlights from Waimakariri Falls Hut (11 mins 45 secs)

Know before you go

Remoteness

Waimakariri Falls is a remote location. There is no mobile phone reception and carrying a personal locator beacon is a must. If you injure yourself help may not arrive quickly, so always carry a well-stocked first aid kit.

Navigation

Good navigation skills required. The first 5-6 hours, to Carrington Hut, is on a well-worn and marked route. Beyond Carrington, the route becomes more of a mixed bag – easy to follow in places but in others much less defined. Multiple unbridged river crossings means this trip is not possible during high river flows.

Conditions

Due to those river crossings a good weather window is required to complete this trip. Snow, ice, and avalanche danger can be present in Winter and Spring, especially in the section after Carrington Hut.

Gear

Being New Zealand, we can get four seasons in one day. It’s always recommended to carry sufficient gear to cater for all potential conditions, and backup food supplies in case of getting stuck somewhere.