Mrs Wallace said water on some parts of the Milford Track would have gone well above the trampers' heads, so the decision to keep them inside overnight was an easy one.
"This was by far the biggest flood we have seen."
While food in one of the huts was down to a minimum by the third day of the walk, rangers supplied 40 trampers with canned food from emergency kits.
"Everyone had high spirits and were enjoying each others' company."
Canberra couple, Michael and Margaret Thompson, said they had never experienced rain like it, witnessing about 550mls in just 24 hours.
"It came down pretty hard," Mr Thompson said.
When the rain intensified on New Year's Eve the trampers were still an hour from Dumpling Hut and had no choice but to walk through the downpour.
"It was hard, but it was OK. As long as you had your wet weather gear you were fine.
"Most of us didn't see the New Year through; we were too tired."
Dinner included a can of tomatoes followed by a dessert of porridge and honey.
Doc's only concern now is the "unknown damage" to Milford Track, Mrs Wallace said.
