Description

<b>Private land:</b> Access to the Cass Valley and O'Leary's Hut is by permission from Glenmore Station: https://www.glenmorestation.co.nz O'Leary's Hut hut is privately owned and was built by Glenmore Station.

From Waterfall Hut at 900m elevation, it is a very steep 1 hour climb into the Waterfall Stream Valley, with ever-expanding views over the Mackenzie Basin with the lower Cass Valley framing the deep turquoise blue of Lake Tekapo as your backdrop.

After catching your breath, it is then a 2-3 hour hike along a gently rising river valley to O'Leary's Hut at 1700m. A new addition in 2024 is the wood-fired hot tub! Relax under the stars while enjoying a soak.

The Mackenzie region is renown for its star-gazing and is part of the International Dark Sky Reserve.

With no other light sources for many miles, these will be some of the clearest skies you’ll ever experience! Enjoy a hot (or cold!) beverage beside the wood stove as your guide prepares a tasty dinner.

Watch the stars come out and listen to your guide tell a local Mackenzie legend. 3-4 hours hiking in tussocky alpine terrain, boulder-hopping along an alpine stream with some scree. 4WD access to Waterfall Hut can be cut-off by high river levels, snow or flooding. <b>Guided hike:</b> enjoy the full experience (including a 4WD adventure) with the knowledge and skills of our IFMGA / NZMGA qualified alpine trekking guides on our Lake Tekapo Hut to Hut Trek https://alpinerecreation.com/tekapo-hut-to-hut-trek.html