Pioneer Hut
Pioneer Hut
A High Alpine Base at the head of the Fox Glacier
Pioneer Hut sits perched at 2,360 m on a ridge at the head of the Fox Glacier, offering sweeping views of the Southern Alps / Kā Tiritiri o te Moana and direct access to some of New Zealand’s most glaciated and awe-inspiring alpine terrain. This remote high alpine hut is a vital base for guided mountaineering and ice climbing, alpine skills courses, glacier skiing and ski mountaineering, and glacier hikes and treks in the rugged West Coast environment. Surrounded by peaks like Mount Tasman, Lendenfeld Peak, and Grey Peak, Pioneer Hut is an iconic location for both experienced climbers and guided clients seeking a truly wild alpine experience.
Facilities
Pioneer Hut is a well-equipped alpine shelter maintained by the Department of Conservation, offering 16 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!
Pioneer Hut Adventures
Our recommendations of things to do at Pioneer Hut.
🧗♂️ Alpine Climbing
Ascend technical routes on Mount Tasman, Lendenfeld Peak, and Haidinger, with guided climbs offering a safe introduction to the region’s steep ice and mixed routes.
Guided Alpine Climbing🎿 Ski Mountaineering & Glacier Skiing
Explore the upper Fox Glacier and surrounding snowfields on skis, with long, rewarding descents and challenging terrain ideal for guided ski mountaineering trips. Pioneer Hut is also used for ski traverses and expeditions like the Symphony on Skis.
Glacier Touring & Ski Mountaineering🧊 Ice Climbing & Alpine Skills Training
The icefalls and seracs in the vicinity of Pioneer Hut offer world-class terrain for learning crevasse rescue, ice anchor systems, and steep ice climbing techniques under expert instruction from IFMGA and NZMGA certified mountain guides.
Alpine Climbing Skills Course🥾 Glacier Hikes & Alpine Treks
Guided glacier walks and snowshoe treks are a great non-technical option for exploring the Fox Glacier and experiencing the dynamic glacial landscape up close. Photographers will love the stunning West Coast sunsets.
Fox Glacier TrekArticles
Features and editorials about Pioneer Hut
Above Worry Level
Mid-winter ascents of Elie de Beaumont and Mount Tasman
A gripping account of two high alpine winter ascents in New Zealand’s Southern Alps — Elie de Beaumont and Mount Tasman — made during a perfect mid-winter weather window. A family expedition filled with glacier travel, summit challenges, breathtaking scenery, and reflection on the contrast between everyday life and the magic of the high mountains.