Chancellor Hut

Chancellor Hut is a mountain shelter at 1200 meters elevation on Chancellor Ridge near Fox Glacier. The building has 12 bunks and radio equipment for communications, and sits at a junction point for climbers exploring the surrounding peaks.

The shelter was built between 1930 and 1931 by mountain guides Alec and Peter Graham. It remains the oldest mountain hut still in its original location in the Southern Alps.

The hut shows how New Zealanders opened up the Southern Alps for climbers through early tourism infrastructure. It reflects a time when local mountain guides built shelters to support expeditions into remote high-altitude regions.

This location is difficult to reach, accessible only by a demanding glacier trek or helicopter flight. Visitors should arrive well equipped and expect challenging alpine conditions.

The view from the shelter's toilet facilities is remarkable, with unobstructed sightlines across the glacier region and surrounding peaks. This everyday function paired with an extraordinary panorama creates an unexpected moment during a mountain visit.

Location: Westland District

GPS coordinates: -43.51030,170.10846

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:45