Gunns Camp

Gunns Camp is a living slice of New Zealand history, a lovingly preserved 1930s tramping hut turned unique accommodation deep in the West Coast rainforest, just 10 km from Franz Josef Glacier. Staying here feels like stepping into a time capsule—kerosene lamps, wood-fired stoves, and the sound of the Waiho River rushing past. It's a must for travellers seeking authentic, off-grid character and a genuine connection to the region's pioneering spirit.

Highlights & What to See

• Heritage Hut Experience: Sleep in original bunkrooms or the cosy main hut, lit by kerosene lamps and heated by a wood stove. The camp's museum-quality collection of alpine memorabilia tells the story of early glacier tourism.
• Callery Gorge Walk: A short, dramatic trail from the camp leads to a swingbridge over the Callery River, with views of sheer rock walls and glacier-fed rapids.
• Glacier Viewing: From the camp, you can spot the Franz Josef Glacier ice face through the valley—best at dawn or dusk when the light turns the ice blue.
• Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the camp offers superb night skies; on clear nights the Milky Way arches over the alpine silhouette.
• Nearby Franz Josef Village: Just 10 minutes' drive, with hot pools, helicopter flights, and the Glacier Centre museum.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for one night to fully soak up the atmosphere—arrive in the late afternoon, light the fire, explore the Callery Gorge walk at dusk, and enjoy a candlelit evening. If you're short on time, a daytime visit (the camp is open to day visitors) can be done in 1–2 hours, but overnight is where the magic lies.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Franz Josef Glacier: The glacier itself is a 20-minute drive; book a guided ice hike or heli-hike for an up-close experience.
• Fox Glacier: 30 minutes south, with its own valley walks and stunning Lake Matheson reflections.
• Okarito Lagoon: A 30-minute drive north—kayak among white herons and take the Okarito Trig walk for panoramic coastal views.
• Whataroa: 20 minutes north, gateway to the Ōkārito Kiwi Sanctuary and white heron nesting colony.
• West Coast Wilderness Trail: Cyclists can access sections of this 120-km trail from Franz Josef, winding through rainforest and historic gold-mining settlements.

Please check official sources for current details.