Trip Report
Report from October 8th thru 10th, 2023
As this is typed, the snow lines of New Zealand’s High Country are scampering uphill at a rate to rival the country’s famed Nor’Wester wind. (and that’s saying something)
It’s thanks to this season-changing tumble cycle that keen, savvy eyes inevitably turn toward the “Huts.” And great news, rather than slug-like gangsters, these particular “Huts” refer to a generous network of New Zealand bunk-style accommodation, nestled smack-dab in the middle of raw, radiant Planet Earth.
Think of it as couch-crashing–in the land that time forgot.
Fast Facts:
Destination – Monument Hut
Amenities – 6 bunks, 1 wood burner, 1 long drop, plus a bit of leg room
Orientation – Lat; -44.024 | Long; 169.812 | Elev; 2,000ft
As far as New Zealand’s hut system goes, Monument is a staple family-favorite. Barring moody weather, the route in is a casual two-to-three hour jaunt beside the braided waters of the Hopkins Valley. Once here, the intersecting Huxley Valley or more meaty possibilities of deeper Hopkins open-up like flowers.
Monument Hut has been selected for this particular mission because A)it’s awesome, and B)we’re guiding a few of the next generation, who hopefully will enjoy (and look after) these special bunked abodes long after the current grown-ups are gone.
Arriving to Monument with fine conditions–and zero wind–is like waking-up to the surprise that it’s your birthday. Simple, but oh-so delightful.
Though some of New Zealand’s huts are booked ahead, Monument operates ‘first-served-style’ which implies the potential to be sharing floor space with new friends. That said, early birds really do get the bunks (& worms) so plan proactively.
First order of business: make camp and kit-out the hut. This sets the stage nicely for a cozy post-trek return when light may be falling and shadows long.
From Monument Hut, there are direct outlets to river crossings, game trails, and easy-to-follow hiking tracks which navigate the dense lower forest before breaking treeline into scree slope and alpine terrain.
While the hut is fairly easily accessed, its tiny details and wider vistas feel worlds removed from the everyday.
A fork entering Huxley Valley hides a hour-or-so’s walk from Monument Hut.
Huxley itself unveils yet still more incredible landscapes and waterways and, as an added bonus, it is gained via a cleverly imaginative bit of outbound engineering; a swing bridge.
The swing bridge in an integral aspect to exploring New Zealand, and it pays dividends to be sure that all ages are accustomed to using them.
Whichever the hour of day or season of year, the waters in these valleys flow super cold, clear, and unforgettable.
Miraculously, the above also proved true of the overnights enjoyed while on this Monument mission.
Considering the starry-glitz Mother Nature was putting on during the dark hours, it seemed a shame to sleep. But the days had been big, the bellies were full, and to get out would still mean a bit of a ramble to come.
The hut’s log book is signed and the party tucked tight into sleeping bags, which leaves only one final facet to any good New Zealand hut trip: drifting into dreams of the next one.
