Glenorchy’s sheelite mine huts have been turned into backcountry huts offering expansive views over Lake Whakatipu and the surrounding valley. Be in awe of the towering Mt Aspiring and discover some relics from the past along the way.
Time to complete
2 Days
Accommodation style
Back-country hut OR Camping
Track type
Return via same track (Optional loop)
Distance
21km
Difficulty
Medium-Advanced
Bookings required
None
A hut boasting incredible views over the Glenorchy area
One of the best kept secrets near Queenstown
See some of the relics from the historic mining in the area
Views over to Mt Aspiring
Great sunset and sunrise spot directly outside the hut
This region of the south is famous for its Sheelite mining history which extended from the late 1800’ into the 1980's. many mining huts exist in the area which were built as a respite from the winter snowfalls. Along this loop McIntyre Hut and McIntosh Hut have been refurbished by DOC and each contain 4 bunks with room for more for those who bring mattresses with them. Staying at either hut will provide a great overnight experience however the higher McIntosh hut offers much more expansive views over Lake Whakatipu and the surrounding peaks including Mt Aspiring.
Track condition
-Mostly old farm tracks all well taken care of, a few slightly boggy sections.
-River crossing required
-Descent from the ridge is steep and quite slippery after rain
Optionals
-There are plenty of other huts as well as visible mine entrances on the eastern section of the Judah track which could be explored as part of a 3 day trip in the area
This track is a loop track to a carpark, however there is 500m of road between the end and start of the trail
Trail start and finish location: Mount Judah Recreational Trails
-Huts:
McIntosh Hut only has 4 mattresses so be prepared to sleep on your own mattress. The hut is free to stay at.
-Camping:
Camping is suitable around the hut
-Booking:
No bookings required
-Back-country hut pass:
Not required
Given the elevation a reasonably warm sleeping bag will be needed too, depending on the season. Check forecasts before setting off to confirm your gear is suitable.
Summer | Example packing list
Spring + Autnum | Example packing list
Possible given the correct gear is taken (Crampons, ice axe, etc) .There are poles with orange tops that need to be followed where the track isn’t obvious.
Department of conservation website
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10km | 5-7 Hours
Trailhead to McIntyre hut 4-5 hours
Start the loop by making your way in an anticlockwise direction towards Buckler Burn. There are a few structures along the way from the mining days which are worth checking out. Buckler burn needs to be crossed along the way and can be impassable after heavy rain or snow melt. McIntyre hut will be a welcome sight and a good spot for a quick rest.
McIntyre hut to McIntosh hut 1-2 Hours
From here the track makes its was up the mountain via switchbacks. Keep to the Western most switchbacks making your way towards the ridge line where you will meet a sign directing you up hill to McIntosh hut.
Sunset McIntosh Hut
11km | 3-4 Hours
Either return via the same path or return via the western Ridgeline. If you decide to return via the same path I highly recommend to at least walk some of the ridge. The trail to and over the ridge is obvious. After reaching the end of the ridge follow the fence line down to the paddocks below. The descent is very steep in places however switchbacks which are sometimes hard to discern make it a little easier.
Keep following the trail markers through the paddock and alongside some irrigation trenches until you reach the carpark. The final part of the track is lined with shrubs sometimes too overgrown to walk through and requires jumping the fence onto the farmers land briefly in two spots.
If returning via the same track consider a side trip on the Judah track visiting Jean hut and Bonnie Jean Hut along with a few mining tunnels nearby
Halfway down after the ridgeline
Some of the best ridge line tracks in New Zealand
McIntyre Hut
McIntosh Hut
Kepler Track
Epic ridge line walking and some of greenest forest floors to be found
Milford Track
NZ’s most popular walk through ‘The land of the perpendicular’
