Places to stay
Park Forks routes
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...
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...
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...
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...
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.
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.