Glenbouie Hut (1050m)

At 1050m, Glenbouie Hut is the highest point of any of the tracks and its position takes advantage of this – located in the Otamatapaio catchment, atop the rolling hills of the high tablelands and surrounded by a sea of tussock. The hut looks northeast down the valley towards the McKenzie Basin. A 50m walk down the track reveals the mountains surrounding Lake Tekapo. Mount Cook would be visible, but for Totara Peak hiding it from view.

Glenbouie Hut can be used as a base for exploring higher into the Hawkdun Range with several tracks nearby. While these tracks are not signposted, detailed maps are available.

Translated from Scottish, “Glenbouie” means “valley of mist”. This is a fair description of the Glenbouie Hut’s surroundings at certain times of the year. The country is exposed to the weather, so warm clothing is necessary, regardless of conditions when you leave the hut.

The hut itself is a white rough-cast 1930s cottage, made up of two bunkrooms, a kitchen and a bathroom. There is a bath and, while there is no running hot water, there is running cold water and a copper, which heats water for the bath. The coal range is a beauty and the hut gets very warm, very quickly. There is a two-burner LPG gas cooker. Like all of the huts, gas, pots, cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery are included.

An old corrugated iron musterers’ hut provides suitable shelter for bikes and saddles.

The hut is serviced by an eco toilet.