Shutes Hut

Set in a large clearing, this 1920’s stone-built hut is the best of the Ruahines. Built and inhabited for many years by Alex Shute, it still contains the original visitor’s book. All woodwork and furniture are rough-hewn from local timber, and a large, stone fireplace dominates the far wall. Only the corrugated iron roof is imported.

From the hut a good track ascends to the scrubline heading for Taruarau Biv and Diane's Hut. Once on the tops the route becomes less obvious amongst the scrub and clay-pan more typical of the kawekas, and is marked by occasional cairns.

Heading North the track drops to the beautiful flats of the Taruarau River wher you're liekly to spot trout. The track fords the river before climbing to the roadend at Comet Hut.

A track also leads to Ruahine Hut.