Macaulay Hut sits at the head of the Macaulay River valley near Lake Tekapo in Te Kahui Kaupeka Conservation Park, in the heart of the Mackenzie Country. This serviced stone hut is owned by the Mackenzie Alpine Trust and was built through local donations and volunteer effort. While originally intended for trampers and climbers, it's now a popular destination for overlanders, who consistently rate it among the best huts in the region. It's known for being warm and well insulated, with a fireplace and oven, plenty of stored firewood, a gas cooker, kettles, pots, pans and cutlery, and timer lighting in the dining and kitchen areas. Run on a first-come, first-served basis, it makes a key stop for off-road adventures in the Mackenzie backcountry, with spectacular valley views. Access is up the Macaulay River valley; once into the valley the route becomes faint, so keep to the left-hand side heading to the hut. Dogs are not allowed in the hut but can be kept outside.