The Meg Hut Track

Out and back

As you wind your way down, the Meg Hut eventually comes into view—a small, orange-hued speck against the vast green and gold backdrop, nestled right beside the bubbling Roaring Meg Stream. It’s a welcoming sight and the perfect place to drop your pack and boil the billy. The return journey requires a "smidgin over 200 metres" of climbing back up to the saddle before the long, knee-taxing descent back to the car park.

Highlights & Must-See Features

The undisputed star of the show is the Meg Hut itself. Originally built in 1958, this eight-bunk musterers' hut is a fantastic example of high-country heritage. It’s basic, rustic, and full of character. Inside, you’ll find an open fire—a true luxury in these bare hills. Even if you aren't staying the night, it’s a wonderful spot to sit on the porch and soak in the silence of the backcountry.

For those with a keen eye for history, the area around the hut and the stream holds remnants of the region's gold mining era. Look out for old water races and tailings—scars on the land left by miners who once braved these harsh conditions in search of fortune.

Photographers will find their "hero shot" at Tuohys Saddle. On a clear day, the contrast between the golden foreground tussocks and the deep blues and whites of the distant Southern Alps is breathtaking. It’s the perfect spot to capture the sheer scale of the Otago landscape.

Getting There

To find the trailhead, head toward Cardrona Village from Wanaka (about a 20-minute drive). You’ll see the sign for the Snow Farm and Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds. Turn onto this access road and cross the bridge.

Parking: The Tuohys Gully car park is located just off this access road. Note on Access Fees: Because the track is accessed via the Waiorau Snow Farm road, there is a road maintenance fee to pay. During the summer months, this is typically $20, and it rises to $30 in winter. This fee helps maintain the steep, unsealed alpine road, ensuring it remains accessible for hikers and skiers alike.

Wildlife Spotting

While the landscape might look barren at first glance, it is teeming with specialized alpine life.

• Kea: These cheeky, highly intelligent alpine parrots are common visitors to the Pisa Range year-round. Keep an eye (and ear) out for them near the saddle and the hut. Remember to keep your gear close—they are notorious for "inspecting" boots and packs with their powerful beaks!
• New Zealand Pipit (Pihoihoi): You’ll often see these small, streaky brown birds darting along the 4WD track ahead of you. They are much more common here than the introduced skylark, which also frequents the area.
• Australasian Harrier (Kāhu): Watch for these large birds of prey soaring effortlessly on the thermals above the tussock slopes, hunting for small mammals or lizards.
• Southern Rock Wren (Pīwauwau): If you are quiet and lucky, you might spot this tiny, bobbing bird amongst the schist rock tors. They are New Zealand’s only true alpine bird and are a rare treat to see.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Meg Hut Track is accessible year-round, but each season offers a completely different experience:

• Summer: Expect hot, dry conditions. The "golden" hills are at their most vibrant, but the heat can be punishing. Start as early as possible (7:00 AM or earlier) to beat the midday sun.
• Autumn: Perhaps the best time to hike. The air is crisp, the light is soft and golden, and the temperatures are much more comfortable for the long climb.
• Winter: This becomes a true alpine expedition. Expect snow on the track and freezing temperatures. You may need gaiters and occasionally crampons or an ice axe depending on the snow pack. The sight of the orange hut against pure white snow is magical.
• Spring: Watch for the transition as the snow melts and the alpine herbs begin to bloom, though the track can be muddy in places.

• Water: Take at least 2-3 litres per person. While the Roaring Meg Stream is at the bottom, the climb to the saddle is dry and exposed.
• Sun Protection: A hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and sunglasses are non-negotiable. The Otago sun is fierce.
• Layers: Even in summer, the wind at Tuohys Saddle can be biting. Carry a windproof/waterproof jacket and a warm fleece.
• Footwear: Sturdy boots are recommended due to the rough nature of the 4WD track and the descent.

Local & Regional Context

The Pisa Range holds deep significance for both Māori and European settlers. For Kāi Tahu, the mountains were part of the vast seasonal trails used to access the West Coast for pounamu (greenstone) and to hunt for moa and other birds. The landscape was a source of seasonal resources, and the names of the landmarks often tell stories of ancestral journeys.

In the mid-1800s, the landscape changed dramatically with the arrival of European pastoralists and gold prospectors. The Roaring Meg stream itself is the subject of local legend; it was allegedly named after a high-spirited red-haired woman who worked in the goldfields, though stories vary! The area became a hub for high-country sheep farming, a tradition that continues today on the surrounding stations. The Meg Hut stands as a surviving link to that "mucker and musterers" lifestyle that defined the early colonial identity of Central Otago.

The geology of the area is also fascinating. The Pisa Range is an up-faulted block of Haast Schist. Over millions of years, weathering has created unique rock tors—natural sculptures of stone—that stand like sentinels across the high plateaus.

After the Walk

After 14km and nearly 1,000 metres of climbing, you’ll have worked up a serious appetite. Fortunately, one of New Zealand’s most iconic pubs is located just minutes away.

The Cardrona Hotel is the perfect place to refuel. In winter, you can huddle by the roaring outdoor fire pits with a mulled wine or a hot chocolate. In summer, their sprawling backyard garden is the ideal spot for a cold craft beer and a legendary "Cardrona Burger." The historic facade is one of the most photographed buildings in the country, making it the perfect final stop for your high-country day out.

If you’re heading back toward Wanaka, stop by the Cardrona Distillery for a more refined experience, or hit one of the many artisan bakeries in town for a well-deserved meat pie.

The Meg Hut Track is more than just a hike; it’s an immersion into the rugged, golden heart of the South Island. It’s challenging, yes, but the feeling of standing on the saddle with the Southern Alps laid out before you is an experience you won't soon forget.

Xenicus gilviventris

As New Zealand's only true alpine bird, the tiny and elusive rock wren inhabits rock crevices, sheltering from harsh mountain conditions.

Best time: Year-round