Kawakawa Hut

Kawakawa Hut is a pleasent ex-forestry service hut in the Haurangi Forest Park. The hut sits on broad river flats at the end of a 4WD track up Otakaha river from Kawakawa Station. Built in 1968 it's still in great condition, despite the ease of vehicular access. There's a a new woodburning stove, tank water and 6 bunks with matresses. The river flats around the hut are covered in mature manuka, but upriver more diverse podocarp bush begins.

From the hut north the track is of good quality all the way to the Pinnacles via Pararaki and Washpool huts: cut and marked with river crossings, but no extended river travel. Ridgeline routes also provide access to Sutherlands and the eastern side of the park from Pararaki. South of the hut is another story. The 4wd track runs another 300m past the hut, and then ends at the river. From here it's all riverbed travel to the south coast with the exception of a brief 3km track over the Kawakawa saddle. Not recommended after heavy rain.