It was named for C. Lewis, one of the contractors who built the Heaphy Track in 1886.

[a][2] The Lewis River originates at Mackay Downs, a flat south-west of the Saxon Ridge.

After the river was encroaching the hut, it was removed and replaced nearby by Lewis Shelter.

The track was rerouted and from 30 November 2012, it crossed the Heaphy River instead.

[7] Heavy rain in the Buller District in February 2022 caused significant damage.