Two Nights in the High Country: Green Point Hut and the Lost Littles Hut
- Verity Jackson
- 23 hours ago
- 3 min read
Tucked deep in the Gamack Conservation Area near Lake Tekapo, Green Point Hut is a quiet backcountry escape surrounded by wide river terraces, golden tussock, and the steady rush of the Jollie River. I spent two nights here, using the full day in between to explore further up the valley to the derelict site of Littles Hut — a spot steeped in history and solitude.
Getting There
Access to the track is via Braemar Mount Cook Station Road, a shingle road that branches off the State Highway 8 in the Mackenzie basin. The drive itself gives a taste of what’s to come — endless views across open farmland and the Southern Alps beyond.
The first 2.5 kilometres of walking are through a public easement across Braemar Station, before reaching the boundary fence that marks the start of the Gamack Conservation Area. From here, it’s another 500 metres to a short side track leading to Jollie Hut — worth the detour to check out before continuing on.
To Green Point Hut
Beyond Jollie Hut, the route follows a 4WD track that eventually fades out soon after crossing First Creek. From this point onward, travel is unmarked but remains straightforward, keeping mostly to the river terraces with occasional short sections along the riverbed.
As you near Green Point Hut, the valley begins to narrow slightly, and the track climbs briefly onto a tussock terrace before negotiating a short shingle slip and dropping back down towards the river. The hut sits beautifully positioned on a tussock bench above the Jollie River, with wide views up and down the valley.
Distance: 11.5 km
Time: 3.5–4 hours one way
Terrain: 4WD track, unmarked river terraces, some minor slips
Navigation: Straightforward in good conditions, but unmarked beyond Jollie Hut
Green Point Hut
Green Point Hut is a popular stop for both trampers and hunters, some of whom walk in while others arrive by helicopter. Don’t rely on the presence or absence of vehicles at the car park to gauge hut occupancy — it’s best to check with helicopter operators beforehand if you want to be sure of space.
Hut details:
6 bunks
Cooking bench and table
Long drop toilet
Water from the nearby river
The hut sits in a sheltered position with the sound of the Jollie River close by. It’s an excellent base for exploring further up the valley or simply relaxing and taking in the vast high-country surroundings.
The Day Trip to Littles Hut (or what remains of it)
The next day, I headed further up the Jollie River towards the site of Littles Hut — marked on the Topo map but long since fallen into ruin.
There’s no marked track above Green Point Hut, but travel is mostly easy, staying on tussock terraces and occasionally dropping to the riverbed. A single river crossing of the Jollie is required, and while usually manageable, it can become swift and deep after rain — so always check conditions and be cautious.
The site of Littles Hut lies roughly 6 km up the valley from Green Point Hut. All that remains now are a few stones from the old floor and fireplace, a quiet reminder of early days in the high country. It’s a popular place for camping or a lunch stop before retracing your steps back down the valley.
Distance: 6 km each way
Time: 2.5–3 hours each way
Navigation: Unmarked, follow terraces and riverbed
Trip Summary
Section | Distance | Time | Notes |
Car park → Green Point Hut | 11.5 km | 3.5–4 hrs | Mix of easement, 4WD, and river terrace travel |
Green Point Hut → Littles Hut site | 6 km | 2.5–3 hrs each way | Unmarked, one river crossing |
35 km approx. | Total (2-night trip) | Easy to moderate tramping terrain |
Why It’s Worth It
This trip captures everything special about the Mackenzie high country — wide open valleys, solitude, and the sense of walking through history. With its unmarked terrain and quiet remoteness, it offers a true backcountry experience without being overly demanding.
Two nights at Green Point Hut allows plenty of time to slow down, explore, and soak in the vast stillness of the Jollie River valley — and perhaps imagine what life might have been like for the shepherds and musterers who once called Littles Hut home.
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