Franz Josef Glacier, Westland National Park
The nightly radio weather sked with Pioneer, Almer, Centennial and Chancellor huts will be at 1705, rather than 1805 as listed on the posters in the huts.
If guides or clients require a weather forecast but are arriving at the hut later than 1705 they can radio the DOC Visitor Centre the following morning from 0830 to request a forecast update.
Summary:
Named to mark the centennial of the Club (formed in1891), this alpine hut sits on a small outcrop of rock that protrudes from the Franz Josef névé. The vista of the sea lapping the west coast is spread below, and the peaks of the southern alps tower above.
Facilities:
20 bunks with mattresses only, limited electric light, radio to heli company and DOC, phone charger port, USB (50cm cord min), water tank.
Plates, cutlery, pots, scrubbers, toaster, espresso maker, teapot.
Access:
Air access to Davis Snowfield. Typically ground parties will come from either Almer Hut, Pioneer Hut, or Graham Saddle.
Fees:
Hut fees payable online by credit card or bank transfer (NZ accounts only), or to Department of Conservation Mt Cook or Westland
- Members $20 per night
- Non-members $40 per night
- Day-use $15 pp
Please remember to pay your hut fees. The existence of these high huts is dependent on human waste removal from these sites, this is what your hut fees pay for. At the last round of emptying the toilets at both Pioneer and Centennial Huts there was a cost to NZAC of $5800 over and above hut fees received during the time since the last emptying. The club cannot continue to carry this kind of cost, so if you enjoy using these huts, or even just the toilet, please pay your hut fees.
Bookings:
No bookings are possible. The hut is open all year round and beds are allocated on a first-in first-served basis.
Location:
Tusk Rock, Franz Josef névé.
View on TopoMaps
Point Location:
POINT (170.23328304 -43.507725)
NZTopo50: BX16 761 794
NZMS260 (old): H35 860 410