Each week, we highlight our fave tramping trails in New Zealand for day and multi day hikes across Nelson Tasman (and beyond!)
Thousand Acre Plateau is vast country; think big sky, distant peaks and tussock as far as the eye can see. Tucked up there is Poor Pete’s Hut – a tiny, no-frills backcountry shelter that feels like the most luxurious place to rest after a tough day on trail. No hut tickets required folks, this one’s a freebie!
Distance: 9.25km
Elevation: +970m -205m
Just outside of Murchison, the trailhead starts at the end of Lake Matiri West Bank Road. After a gentle meander up to Lake Matiri Hut – the hydro project means there is a lovely 4WD track to follow – the route sidles around the lake and reaches a junction. Here the DOC sign will say 3 hours to Poor Pete’s, but it could take you anywhere up to 6.
The climb up does not mess around; steep terrain, muddy sections, tangled routes, large boulders, and burning legs from solid scrambling. But as you gain height, the bush starts to thin out and the landscape opens up into rolling tussock and wide, windswept ridgelines. On a clear day the views stretch on forever – layer after layer of ranges disappearing into the haze.
Once out of the bush, the hut is a short jaunt along a poled open section. With a spacious deck and cosy enclosed porch, this wee 2-bunker is the perfect place to hole up for the night. There’s no woodburner, but will be plenty toasty with 2 people and a stove going.
We’d recommend spending 2 nights at this shelter, and using it as a base to explore the plateau and climb the Needle and the Haystack. Being flat country, it is permanently boggy and you will not escape with dry, mud-free feet!
When the wind blows up here, it howls. Take plenty of warm clothing no matter the forecast. Did you also notice it's the location of our iconic miso soup reel??
