Places to stay

Tararua Forest Park

Totara Flats Hut
Totara Flats Hut
Hut Serviced Hut (DOC). Capacity: 26.
A central hut for the Kaitoke to Holdsworth trip (3 days). It was sited under trees at the north-west corner of Totara Flats (largest flat in Tararuas at 2 km by 0.5 km) but was replaced since it w...
Waitewaewae Hut
Waitewaewae Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 16.
The first architect-designed hut in the Tararua Forest Park - built to show good use of hut fees. Big windows make good use of any available light. Hot potbelly stove, 2 sleeping platforms, 16 matt...
Field Hut
Field Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 20.
Built in 1924, there are still signs of the original bush carpentry. Handy for Friday-nighters doing the Southern Crossing over the weekend. The danger sign in front of the hut refers to the track ...
Kime Hut
Kime Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 20.
The highest hut on the Southern Crossing. Nice view of Masterton through the valley. This hut was replaced in 2014 and is now warm and light due to the large double glazed windows. Sleeps 20 people...
Burn Hut
Burn Hut
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 6.
Cool wee hut sitting on the tops a few hours from Mangahoa Dam 2, near Shannon. Great view. Walk in takes 2-3 hours. Can do the round trip to Dam no 1 (a bit longer, probably 5-6 hours). Grid re...
Alpha Hut
Alpha Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 16.
The first Alpha Hut was built in 1915, the 2nd replaced it in 1953 ( it was 6 yards inside the new water catchment area) and the 3rd in 1982 (hut 2 burned). Two sleeping platforms in 1995, tank wat...
Neill Forks Hut
Neill Forks Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 6.
Hidden away and camouflaged in green and orange. 6 bunks with mattresses. Water from river. The fireplace is OK. Photo taken from helicopter landing clearing nearby. The Hector River is worth a sid...
Sayers Hut
Sayers Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 6.
A well maintained historic, but functional hut on the Waiohine River flats in the Tararuas. A beautiful hut, harkening back to the days when huts were one-offs built by people, not mass produced b...
Herepai Hut
Herepai Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 10.
An older huts lower than the bush line. It has a cast-iron fire, two platforms for sleeping quarter. It holds around 10 people. Basic but nice. Steady 2.5-5hrs climb which crosses over 2 swi...
Nichols Hut
Nichols Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 6.
Nichols hut - a pleasant, recently renovated 6-bunk hut in the mid Tararuas. It lacks the coast views of Andersons, but has great views down the Waiohine valley towards the Wairarapa. It also rec...
Atiwhakatu Hut
Atiwhakatu Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 26.
A neat and tidy hut. New hut has a water supply. Handy for a head start on a Friday night. Rebuilt in 2009, new hut almost identical in design to Roaring Stag Lodge. Fully insulated and double glaz...
Waiopehu Hut
Waiopehu Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 18.
Great hut and views but very cold. If you get wet, there is no way to dry yourself or your clothes. A good hut for the summer. The old Waiopehu Hut was located under the bushline with no views, in ...
Tutuwai Hut
Tutuwai Hut
Hut Serviced Hut (DOC). Capacity: 20.
Set on a bank above a river flat (good camping). Gas stoves and running water. Potbelly stove. Well-built modern hut.
South Ohau Hut
South Ohau Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 10.
A new hut opened in October 2008 replaces an older hut that now forms the base for the woodshed. The old hut was getting well undercut by the South Ohau River, and it was only a matter of time befo...
Roaring Stag Lodge
Roaring Stag Lodge
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 16.
16 bunk fairly new hut located in a neat spot next to the Ruamahanga river.A combined effort by DOC and The Deerstalkers.
Tarn Ridge Hut
Tarn Ridge Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 16.
This modern hut (1995?) replaces the smaller hut at the north end of Tarn Ridge and may replace Dorset Ridge Hut. Tank water. 8 mattresses and 4 sleeping platforms. Potbelly stove but no wood or co...
Arete Hut
Arete Hut
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 2.
DOC's website states that they upgraded the small, cold Arete Biv to a 2-bunk 'Arete Hut' in 2007. Arete lies on both the Northern Crossing and the Tararua Main ridge. Both are excellent mul...
Snowy Hut / Snowy River Hut
Snowy Hut / Snowy River Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 3.
Snowy Hut (aka Snowy River Hut): An unmarked hut in the Tararuas. Used mainly by hunters, though also a few trampers and also DoC workers - so DoC clearly know the hut is there. However the hut is...
Punga Hut / Miro Valley Hut
Punga Hut / Miro Valley Hut
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (PVT). Capacity: 4.
Super-secret hut in the northern Tararuas. Possibly the most interesting hut in the Tararuas. Built in 1958-1959 from horizontally laid punga trunks over a locally cut hardwood frame. The ro...
Island Forks Hut
Island Forks Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 2.
Island Forks (Biodiversity) Hut is a standard 2-bunk DOC Biv in the Tararuas. The name is somewhat confusing as it's not at Island Forks, but in the East Waitewaewae just upstream from its forks w...
Powell Hut
Powell Hut
Hut Serviced Hut (DOC). Capacity: 40.Bookings required.
A popular stopping off point on walks to Mount Holdsworth, Powell Hut in the Tararua Ranges is 4 hours from the car park and 1 hour from the summit. The hut offers great views across the Wairarapa ...
Thornhill's Hut -  Tararuas
Thornhill's Hut - Tararuas
Hut Standard Hut (NA). Capacity: 2.
An unmarked hut in the Ngatiawa catchment behind Waikanae. 2-bunk, open fire, tank water, no matresses. The hut is at about 900m, in mature bush, and about 100 vertical meters below the clear ...
North Ohau Hut
North Ohau Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 4.
North Ohau Hut is a cozy 4-bunk hut in the middle reaches of the North Ohau River in the Tararuas. A joint project of Horowhenua Deerstalkers and DoC. The best designed of small huts built in recen...
North Mangahao Bivouac
North Mangahao Bivouac
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 2.
A tidy, well maintained dog-box bivouac in the northern Tararuas. Unlike some of it's Ruahine counterparts, the biv is tall enough to sit up in comfortably. Sleeps 2-3 on the floor (2 mattresses)....
Mid King Biv
Mid King Biv
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 2.
Mid King Biv (2 bunk, mattresses, stream water) is a small biv just below the bushline at the head of Baldy Creek and directly below Mid King peak. It sleeps 2 on two mattresses - the floor is on 2...
Carkeek Hut
Carkeek Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 12.
Carkeek is located in the middle of the Tararua Forest Park. There are no maintained tracks leading to this hut. Several old NZFS tracks can still be followed, with care. This hut is managed by t...
Smith Creek Shelter
Smith Creek Shelter
Hut Shelter (DOC).
A small concrete block shelter on Smith Creek at the end of the descent from Puffer Saddle for those crossing from Kaitoke. The shelter lies on the track from Kaitoke to Tutawai Hut. DOC stat...
Aokaparangi Hut
Aokaparangi Hut
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 2.
Aokaparangi Hut (2 bunks, matresses, tank water): A tidy, well insulated 2-bunk hut on the bush-line overlooking the Waiohine River. There's no fire (despite the abundance of firewood), but it's ...
McGregor biv
McGregor biv
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 2.
2 to 3 person biv.When i visited it was unlined but had a new water tank.It has recently had a spruce up.Stunning views of the central Tararua's.
Kapakapanui Hut
Kapakapanui Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 6.
Around 2 to 3 Hrs from the Ngatiawa roadend.Acommodates 6 though 8 could fit.Up from the hut past the goblin forest you reach the burnt over top of Kapakapanui with its tree stumps ,trig and impres...
Arete Forks Hut
Arete Forks Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 6.
Arete Forks hut, photo taken in 1960 not long after construction. (6 bunks, wood-burner, firewood available) is a standard forestry hut in the Tararuas. The creek is 20m from the hut. The ...
Renata Hut
Renata Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 6.
An older club hut, last of a kind. Opened in 1956. Unfortunately close to a road end, so popular with people wanting somewhere to drink. Sleeps roughly 6 - 10 on a platform. Though it has bee...
Parawai Hut
Parawai Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 30.
A very tidy hut with two sleeping platforms and mattresses. A wood burner and plenty of firewood supplied. Sink with water in hut. Tables and seating with a large veranda also with seating.
Mangahao Flats Hut
Mangahao Flats Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 16.
A huge modern hut put in between (now removed) Harris Creek Hut and (now removed) Avalanche Flats Hut. Approximately five to seven hours from Mangahao Dam. The hut has inside water and sink, ...
Jumbo Hut
Jumbo Hut
Hut Serviced Hut (DOC). Capacity: 20.Bookings required.
Great views across the Wairarapa Plains. The range from Jumbo to Mitre can be seen from the track just before the hut. Gas stoves. During peak season, this hut no longer needs to be booked via DOC
Mitre Flats Hut
Mitre Flats Hut
Hut Serviced Hut (DOC). Capacity: 20.
Modern hut. Good porch. Often a starting or ending point for the ascent of Mitre (at 1571m the highest peak in the Tararuas). MId King Biv
Maungahuka Hut
Maungahuka Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 6.
The original hut (pictured) has been replaced by a new hut on the same location. Sleeps 12, but has no fireplace / woodburner (there was no wood within a km anyway, so no great loss!). A huge air...
Mountain House
Mountain House
Hut Shelter (DOC).
A small 3-sided shelter now occupies the site where the infamous Mountain House once stood. Originally a 3 room structure with 2 (segregated) bunkrooms and a common kitchen / lounge, it became muc...
Blue Range Hut
Blue Range Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 4.
A wonderfully blue hut set at the back of a small clearing. Stove and tank water. 4 bunks. Amusing collection of signs from the 'For Sale' by the water tank to 'Psychiatric Centre' at the door. The...
Cow Creek Hut
Cow Creek Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 6.
Nice hut with a camping site nearer the river. The cable-way giving access across the river is fun. 6 bunks with mattresses.
Dorset Ridge Hut
Dorset Ridge Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 6.
Refurbished by a community group of volunteers in February 2008. Following the refurbishment, the hut now boasts an extension containing a new kitchen, separated by a door from the main 6 bunk r...
Cone Hut
Cone Hut
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 12.
An outstanding example of bush carpentry. Built in 1946, renovated using original techniques in 1987. Adzed totara plank sleeping platform, dirt floor. Water from nearby stream. Interesting long dr...
Elder Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 4.
A tidy, new 4-bunk hut on the exposed summit of Elder Peak. Features windows round 2 sides looking over the valley, a huge deck - all very good in nice weather. In driving, icy rain, it featured ...
Waiotauru Hut
Waiotauru Hut
Hut Basic Hut/Bivvy (DOC). Capacity: 18.
Built in the early 70s,tin hut.
Te Matawai
Te Matawai
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 18.
A big L-shaped hut with 2 big sleeping platforms (18 mattresses) in one arm and the living area in the other. Indoor water and sink. One cooking bench and a new stainless steal table. Standard DOC ...
Mid Waiohine
Mid Waiohine
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 6.
Small Cold in winter but a welcome sight after a knee busting descent from Isobel The hut is cosy when the open fire is going. This hut has been recognized by DOC for retention in as representa...
Penn Creek Hut
Penn Creek Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 6.
A standard NZFS hut from the Seventies, has had some recent work done on it. Add in Field Hut and you can get an interesting loop track that is not frequently used. Can confirm DO...
Waiopehu Hut 1940s - 2002 [Replaced]
Hut Removed!
The second Waiopehu Hut, built just after WWII to replace a hut lost in 1936 storm. Replaced in 2002. Up until the early 80s, the hut boasted a dirt floor and platform bunk that held about 10. ...
Cattle Ridge Hut
Cattle Ridge Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 5.
A 5 bunk old style forest service hut located 2 to 3 Hrs up a steep spur from Roaring Stag Lodge.Could do with a bit of maintenance.Very impressive views but is in an exposed spot and can shake con...
Anderson Memorial Hut
Anderson Memorial Hut
Hut Standard Hut (DOC). Capacity: 6.
The original hut was first dropped on the site by Oliver Anderson (a pilot) who died a year later flying supplies to the Fiordland deer cullers. Six bunks with mattresses. Nestled in bush but good ...
Kiriwhakapapa Campsite
Campsite Standard Campsite (DOC). 15 spaces.
Road access campsite on the eastern flanks of the Tararua Ranges near Masterton. Tracks lead to Blue Range Hut and the Waingawa River.

Hut categories

Great Walks Hut
Well appointed DOC hut on one of the nine Great Walks. Great Walks pass required, bookings may be required. Facilities typically include toilets, heating, water, and bunks with mattresses. Some huts will have lighting, gas cooking, and a DOC ranger.
Serviced Hut
Larger, high standard hut. Many serviced huts have a booking system and must be booked in advance. Other huts require a back country hut pass or 3 hut tickets. Mostly owned by DOC. Facilities typically include a toilet, open fire or wood burner, water supply, and bunks with mattresses.
Serviced Alpine Hut
Alpine hut owned by DOC or clubs such as NZAC. Generally no heating. Payment varies. Facilities typically include a toilet, water supply, and bunks with mattresses.
Standard Hut
Typical DOC hut. Back country hut pass / 1 hut ticket required, no bookings. Facilities typically include a toilet, open fire or wood burner, and bunks with mattresses.
Basic Hut/Bivvy
Small DOC huts of 2-6 bunks. No fees or bookings. Facilities typically include a toilet and bunks with mattresses.

In general, food and cooking equipment is not available at huts. See DOC and NZAC websites for details of pricing and booking.

Campsite categories

Great Walks Campsite
Campsites are available on most Great Walks, usually next to huts. Great Walks pass required, bookings may be required. Toilets, water supply. No use of hut facilities not available.
Serviced, Scenic, or Standard Campsite
Accessible by car or boat, and offering a range of facilities.
Basic Campsite
Accessible by car or boat, but with minimal facilities. No fees or bookings. Toilet, water may be from stream.
Backcountry Campsite
Walk-in access. Fees vary. No bookings. Toilet, water may be from stream.