Franz Josef Glacier Centennial Hut | A High Alpine Base at the head of the Franz Josef Glacier - Centennial Hut at the top of the Franz Josef Glacier, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park 1

Franz Josef Glacier

Centennial Hut

A High Alpine Base at the head of the Franz Josef Glacier

Accommodation Public Mountain Huts

Centennial Hut

Centennial Hut

A High Alpine Base at the head of the Franz Josef Glacier

Centennial Hut sits dramatically on the Franz Josef Névé at 2,400 m, offering unparalleled access to the glaciated heart of Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Overlooking the sprawling upper reaches of the Franz Josef Glacier, the hut is a strategic base for guided alpine climbingglacier touring and ski mountaineering, glacier trekking, and mountaineering instruction in the rugged West Coast ranges of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. With panoramic views stretching from the icefields to the Tasman Sea, Centennial Hut offers one of the most breathtaking alpine settings in the country.

 

Facilities

Centennial Hut is a well-equipped alpine shelter maintained by the Department of Conservation, offering 20 bunks with mattresses, solar lighting, cooking utensils, a water tank, and a long-drop toilet. While there is no heating, the hut provides basic shelter for high-altitude stays. On guided trips, all meals, cooking, and equipment are taken care of by your guide, allowing you to relax and focus on the experience. Don't forget to pack a warm sleeping bag and down jacket!

Centennial Hut Adventures

Our recommendations of things to do at Centennial Hut.


🎿 Ski Mountaineering & Glacier Skiing feature image - Ski touring on the Franz Josef Glacier, near Graham Saddle and Centennial Hut

🎿 Ski Mountaineering & Glacier Skiing

In winter and spring, Centennial Hut is perfectly positioned for guided ski mountaineering trips across the expansive névé, offering long glacial descents, technical climbs, and ski traverses in a dramatic alpine setting. It is also used for ski traverses and expeditions such as the Symphony on Skis.

Glacier Ski Touring & Ski Mountaineering
🧭 Mountaineering Skills Courses feature image - Learn mountaineering skills at Centennial Hut on the Franz Josef Glacier

🧭 Mountaineering Skills Courses

Centennial Hut is frequently used for instructional courses, where clients can learn glacier travel, crevasse rescue, rope skills, avalanche safety, and weather navigation under the guidance of IFMGA and NZMGA certified mountain guides.

🧭 Mountaineering Skills Courses
🧗‍♂️ Alpine Climbing feature image - The Minarets can be climbed from Centennial Hut at the top of the Franz Josef Glacier, Westland National Park

🧗‍♂️ Alpine Climbing

Centennial Hut is a key base for climbing prominent peaks like the Minarets, offering challenging routes in snow, ice, and mixed terrain. Guided ascents focus on safety, glacier travel, and steep alpine techniques.

Guided Alpine Climbing
🥾 Glacier Hiking & Photography feature image - Sunset of crevasses in the Franz Josef Glacier, Centennial Hut, Westland National Park

🥾 Glacier Hiking & Photography

For non-technical adventurers, guided glacier hikes and snowshoe explorations from the hut allow you to experience the raw beauty of the alpine environment without needing to climb technical peaks. It’s also a stunning location for alpine photography.

Franz Josef Glacier Trek