Cass Valley
Falcon's Nest Hut
Backcountry adventures in the Gamack Range
Accommodation Mountain HutsFalcon's Nest Hut
Falcon's Nest Hut
The perfect mountain escape
Falcon's Nest sits at an altitude of 1500m in the Gamack Range, tucked into the fork of Upper Tin Hut Stream. Located in a beautiful setting, with great views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, providing a fantastic location for star gazing - the Mackenzie District is renowned for the clarity of its sky and freedom from light pollution, which is why the area was recently designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve.
Warm, cosy & modern
Falcon's Nest Hut is privately owned and was built by Glenmore Station. It is an ideal base for backcountry adventures, overnight alpine hikes, hut to hut treks and ski & split-board touring. Equipped with firewood, gas, bunks, pillows and mattresses. A wood-fired stove means there are good heating and drying facilities. Alpine Recreation has stocked the hut with sleeping bags for each bunk. This will keep the pack volume and weight down for walk-in / ski-in trips.
Facilities
Falcon's Nest Hut consists of 1 large room with 8 bunks and a log burner. There are no showers and the toilet is a traditional longdrop loo.
Access
4WD access to Tin Hut is possible in most conditions. Walking access is then up the Tin Hut Stream valley. An initially steep 100m climb eases to follow Tin Hut Stream to its upper fork, where Falcon's Nest Hut sits nestled in pristine alpine meadows. Access to "Bad Decision" (Whiskey Hut) is via the northern branch of Upper Tin Hut Stream (approx. 700m climbing over 3.5km distance).
Falcon's Nest Hut Adventures
Our recommendations of things to do at Falcon's Nest Hut.
Ski & Split-board Tours
Enjoy some of the best backcountry skiing terrain in New Zealand
Explore the Lake Tekapo high country on skis. Ride epic lines and enjoy a whiskey at the "Bad Decision Hut". Come back to a warm self-contained hut at the end of each day and share stories by the fire while your guide prepares a tasty meal.
Cass Valley Ski Touring & Split-boarding
Alpine Hikes & Treks
Adventurous multi-day alpine trekking in the Mackenzie High Country
The Gamack Range near Lake Tekapo is a spectacular alpine trekking venue in the middle of an impressive landscape carved by glaciers and waterfalls. Hike high above Lake Tekapo, cross alpine passes and gaze in wonder at the night sky - the Lake Tekapo region is renowned for its star-gazing and clear skies and is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
Cass Valley Hut to Hut Trek
Snowshoeing Adventures
A magical way to explore New Zealand’s winter wilderness
Surrounded by towering peaks and sweeping alpine basins, you can follow intrepid snow-covered routes that wind through pristine backcountry landscapes. The valley’s private, heated huts — like Falcon's Nest and Tin Hut — provide cosy overnight options, making multi-day snowshoe adventures both accessible and comfortable.
With 4WD access into the valley and the chance to spot wildlife tracks in untouched snow, snowshoeing in the Cass is a peaceful, low-impact way to experience the beauty of the Southern Alps in winter.
Getting there
4WD adventure & alpine hike to Falcon's Nest
Enjoy an adventurous 4WD journey up the Cass Valley to Tin Hut, in Alpine Recreation's rugged Toyota Landcruiser "Tigger".
From Tin Hut at 950m elevation, climb 100m up steep tussock slopes to gain a moraine terrace, then follow the rocky river bed of Tin Hut Stream until it broadens into more gentle river flats and alpine meadows by Falcon's Nest at 1460m.
Falcon’s Nest Hut is a popular destination in the winter for ski-touring and split-boarding. It is equally rewarding in the summer and a great option for an overnight hike in the Lake Tekapo region or as part of a multi-day hut-to-hut trek.
Winter in the Cass
by E. Braun-Elwert
"In the hush of dawn where the snow lies deep,
The Cass Valley stirs from its alpine sleep.
With skis on our packs and adventure ahead,
We chase the white dreams where few dare tread."
"Crisp air bites as we climb through the cold,
The mountains around us, silent and bold.
Tracks weave through powder, light as a sigh,
Beneath a wide and wondering sky."
"At the Bad Decision, where legends ignite,
We share a quick dram in the soft afternoon light.
A sip of warmth, then skis hit the snow —
Chasing the fall line to Falcon's below."
"At day’s end we find, where the ridge-lines cut,
A fire softly crackles in our warm, cosy hut.
Laughter and tales by lantern light glow,
While spirits drift outside in a world of white snow."
"So here’s to the Cass, where the winter winds roam,
To ski tracks, steep lines, and a hut that feels home.
In a backcountry world that’s rugged and free —
This is where winter was meant to be."
Recent Adventures
Highlights from recent Falcon's Nest Hut adventures
