Tasman Glacier Kelman Hut | A High Alpine Base at the head of the Tasman Glacier - A snow-covered mountain landscape with towering peaks and a winding trail leading through the snowy terrain under a clear blue sky. 1

Tasman Glacier

Kelman Hut

A High Alpine Base at the head of the Tasman Glacier

Accommodation Public Mountain Huts

Kelman Hut

Kelman Hut

A High Alpine Base at the head of the Tasman Glacier

Fondly known as the "Kelminator" due to its temperature, Kelman Hut is one of New Zealand’s highest alpine huts, perched at 2,430 m on a ridge above Tasman Saddle at the head of the Tasman Glacier in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. Surrounded by towering peaks, vast snowfields, and glacial icefalls, it serves as a key base for alpine climbing courses, ski mountaineering, glacier skiing, and glacier hikes / treks in the heart of the Southern Alps. Whether you're here for a guided trip, instructional course, or high-mountain adventure, Kelman Hut offers unparalleled access to some of the country’s most remote and dramatic alpine terrain. Access is typically by helicopter or ski plane from Mount Cook Airport.

 

Facilities

Kelman Hut is a well-equipped alpine shelter maintained by the Department of Conservation, offering 22 bunks with mattresses, solar lighting, gas cookers, 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!

Wild mountain weather

Kelman Hut after a summer storm

Alpine Accommodation - New Zealand High Alpine Huts - Kelman Hut - Kelman Hut after a summer storm - Kelman Hut after a summer storm 1

Kelman Hut Adventures

Our recommendations of things to do at Kelman Hut.


Mountaineering Skills Courses feature image - Learn crevasse rescue and essential mountaineering skills at Kelman Hut on the Tasman Glacier, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

Mountaineering Skills Courses

Learn glacier travel, crevasse rescue, rope techniques, and alpine navigation in a real high-mountain environment with experienced IFMGA / NZMGA guides.

Alpine Climbing Course
Alpine Climbing feature image - Elie de Beaumont above the Tasman Glacier, can be climbed from Kelman Hut

Alpine Climbing

Ascend classic peaks such as Elie de Beaumont, Mount Green, Mount Alymer and Hochstetter Dome — ideal for climbers looking to gain experience in mixed snow and ice conditions.

Guided Alpine Ascents
Ski Mountaineering & Glacier Skiing feature image - Skiing fresh powder above the Murchison Glacier, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

Ski Mountaineering & Glacier Skiing

Enjoy long glacial descents and powder-filled basins, with routes suited to both intermediate and advanced ski tourers. Kelman is also used for ski traverses and expeditions such as the Symphony on Skis.

Glacier Touring & Ski Mountaineering
Glacier Hikes & Treks feature image - Roped glacier travel, glacier hikes and treks on the Tasman Glacier, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

Glacier Hikes & Treks

Kelman Hut is also an ideal base for guided glacier hikes and high alpine trekking adventures, offering an unforgettable way to explore New Zealand’s vast glaciated terrain without the need for technical climbing.

Tasman Glacier Trek

Recent Adventures

Highlights from Alpine Recreation's recent Kelman Hut adventures

Articles

Features and editorials about Kelman Hut

Mazamas Magazine

Daring to be Lydia

Empowering women ski‑touring in New Zealand’s Southern Alps

Thirty years ago this October, something extraordinary happened.