WikiCamps New Zealand

Ida Railway Hut

Campground

Contact

Johnstone Creek Track, Oteake Conservation Park, South Island.

(03) 440 2040

alexandra@doc.govt.nz

doc.govt.nz/search-results/?query=Ida+Railway+Hut

Description

Ida Railway Hut is a 12-bunk hut located in Oteake Conservation Park in the Central Otago area. Fees apply. Bookings not required - first come, first served. Facilities include heating, mattresses, non-flush toilets and water from a stream. This hut has a fireplace and it is a good idea to take wood with you as there are few trees in this tussock landscape. Ida Railway Hut has a shared use arrangement with concession holders grazing Mt Ida Conservation Area. The Mt Ida syndicate have preference to use the hut from 7 January to 30 April for mustering purposes. Call the DOC office to check availability. This hut is a treasure. Originally a railway station in the Ida Valley, it was relocated to be used as a mustering hut. It oozes character, and provides an opportunity for you to stay in the vast tussock country an experience that is sure to be memorable. Getting there Travel on 4WD tracks from either Home Hills Road on Johnstone Creek Track or from Mt Buster Road. Both routes are recomended for experienced 4WDrivers. Johnstone Creek Track: From Home Hills Road (720m), the narrow rough track climbs steeply onto the Hawkdun Range (1620m). The track follows along the crest of the range then follows Walking Spur to Ida Railway Hut. This track links to Mount Buster Track with two steep climbs and a ford river crossing. Mount Buster Track has numerous river crossings, turn left after Tailings Hut and there is a steep decline to a ford river crossing. The track then climbs up onto a plateau to Ida Railway Hut. Before you go, buy 1 Standard Hut Ticket (blue for adults, yellow for youth) for each night's stay. Put this 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 6 or 12-month period.