New Zealand Huts (K-L)

New Zealand Huts

New Zealand Huts from K to L

Kahui From: Mike & Liz Sampson Date: 24 January 2004 Where: Egmont National Park Description: DOC (6 bunks) Access: 2.5 - 3.5 hours from Waiaua Gorge Hut, 2.5 - 3.5 hours from Holly Hut; 2 hours from Kahui Road; 2.5 hours from Puniho Road Comments: A tidy older hut on the high level Round the Mountain Track.	Kapakapanui From: Neil Richardson Where: Kapakapanui, Tararua Forest Park Description: NZDA (12) Access: 3 hours from Ngatiawa road end at southern end of the Tararua's. Comments: Owned by Kapiti branch of NZDA. 6 bunks.
Karamea Bend From: Steve and Cathy Hudson Where: Kahurangi National Park Description: DOC (20) Access: 5 to 6 hours from Salisbury Lodge via Leslie River. Comments: Very beautiful valley and home of NZs largest mosquito population.	Kaweka Flats Biv From: Dan Eldercamp Date: November 2006 Where: Kaweka Forest Park Description: DOC (2) Access: About 1.5 - 2 hours from carpark at Makahu Saddle, and 2 - 2.5 to/from Middle Hill hut. Comments: Basic bivvy, about halfway from Makahu Saddle to Middle Hill hut. Has mattresses and toilet - water from stream. In large clearing, with plenty space for camping.
Ketetahi From: Neil Richardson Date: May 1998 Where: Northern end of Mt. Tongariro beside the Ketetahi Hot Springs. Map reference NZMS 260 T19 394-295. Description: DOC (20) Access: About 3 hours from State Highway 47a. Comments: It is at an altitude of 1400 metres and is on the Tongariro Crossing and as such is part of the Great Walks System.	Kime Date: 2011 Where: Near Bridge Peak, Tararua Forest Park Description: TTC (35) Access: 5 hours from Otaki Forks, 4-5 hours from Alpha Hut, 4-5 hours from Maungahuka Hut. Comments: The highest hut on the Southern Crossing (1400m). Magnificent views north and south. Handy for Mt. Hector. No stove - can be cold. One mattress. New water tank. Plans are afoot to upgrade it with gas cooking and heating. Also see: Kime on 15 April 1995 and Kime on 1 April 1997 Picture: Courtesy of David Barnes.
Kings Creek From: Dan Eldercamp Date: March 2007 Where: Kahurangi National Park, topomap 260-M28 Wangapeka Description: DOC (20) Access: 6.5 hours from Helicopter Flat hut, 4 hours from Stone hut, 5 minutes from Cecil King's hut, 3 - 3.5 hours to/from Rolling Junction. Comments: Spacious, warm hut, with two bunkrooms, sleeping platforms & mattresses. Water from nearby stream. Toilet and woodburner. Sandflies!	Kirwans From: David Barnes Date: November 2009 Where: Victoria Forest Park Description: DOC (12) Access: 5-7 hours up a benched miners' trail (Kirwans Track) from Capleston, north of Reefton. Alternative routes via Montgomerie Hut and either the Waitahu Valley or Murray Creek. Comments: A delightful hut. The half hour walk to Kirwans Hill shouldn't be missed.
Koranga Forks From: Dan Eldercamp Date: January 2007 Where: Waioeka Forest (Map series 260 W17 Urewera) Description: DOC (6) Access: From DOC-signposted parking area on Moanui Rd, 3 hours. From Tawa hut via Kahunui Stream 5 - 6 hours. Comments: Great little hut situated at confluence of Kahunui Stream and Koranga River (which then becomes the Waioeka River). Similar in style to Tawa hut, with comfortable bunks/ mattresses. Woodburner, toilet, outside water tank. Dog kennels. Plenty space for camping. Popular base for fishing & hunting.	Lagoon Saddle Hut From: Barry Flamank Date: Dec 2009 Where: Craigieburn Forest Park Description: Basic 2 bunk bivvy Access: Located on the Harper Side of Lagoon Saddle. 4-5 hours from Hamilton Hut, or 3 hours from Bealey Hut at the start of the track at Cora Lynn Station in the Waimakariri Valley. Comments: Restored, but wouldn't make for the most comfortable of stays. Spilt log bunks, no mattresses, no window, no fire. A stones throw across the creek on true right from Lagoon Saddle Shelter.
Lakehead Date: 29 December 1997 Where: Head of Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes National Park Description: DOC (16) Access: 3-4 hours along either lakeshore from St Arnaud, 5 hours down the Travers Valley from John Tait Hut, 4 hours from Hopeless Hut and a steep 5 hours down from Angelus Hut. Comments: Lots of sandflies. Note that access to Coldwater Hut across the valley is either a 2-3 hour tramp via a swingbridge higher up the river or 40 minutes if the Travers River is low.	Leaning Lodge From: David Barnes Date: 19 June 2004 Where: Rock and Pillar Conservation Park, Central Otago Description: Leaning Lodge Trust Access: Up a DoC easement over a farm track from SH87 to the conservation land boundary and then on to just below the summit plateau. Turn left off the vehicle track when the ridge plateaus slightly. Comments: A former ski club hut originally built from 2 army huts, and moved to the site in 1957. The hut has been owned by the Otago Ski Club, Otago University Ski Club and the Otago Tramping and Mountaineering Club. Currently owned by the Leaning Lodge Trust, which is looking at replacing the historic hut. In the meantime, make the most of this very character-ridden but cold hut.
Lee Stream From: Angela, Sean & Pat Date: 26 april 2008 Where: Leatham Conservation area, Marlborough (adjacent to Nelson Lakes National Park) Description: DOC (4) Access: Approx 3 hrs from the unusual swingbridge just off Rainbow road or close to four hours if gate at Six Mile Creek -10 to15 mins drive from St Arnaud village – is closed Comments: A four bunk DoC hut with a very efficient wood stove. No tank water but creek only 50 metres from hut. Located at the end of an unmaintained but still easily followed track up a very scenic valley which is a tributary of the Wairau River.	Leitch's Clearing From: Dan Eldercamp Date: 9 July 2005 Where: Whareorino, King Country (Topomap R17, Awakino) Description: DOC (16) Access: 3 hours from the end of Leitch Road or 4 hours from Gribbon Road. Comments: Easy, all-weather tramp. Great hut, with indoor sink bench, water, wood/coal burner with wetback - means hot water! Spacious, two separate bunk rooms with mattresses on sleeping platforms. Lots of character. Next to Awakino river, with swimming holes, fishing, etc.
Lewis From: Dan Eldercamp Date: Feb 07 Where: Kahurangi National Park, DoC Parkmap 274-13 Kahurangi Description: DOC (22) Access: 3.5 Hours from James Mackay hut, walking east to west Comments: Great Walks hut - prior booking required. Beautiful location at the confluence of the Lewis and Heaphy Rivers, but oh, the sandflies! Insect repellent a vital necessity to enjoy this hut and location. Good swimming and photo opportunities.	Little Wanganui Shelter From: Dan Eldercamp Date: March 2007 Where: Kahurangi National Park, topomap 260-L27 Karamea Description: DOC (4) Access: About 3 hours from Belltown Manunui hut, walking west to east. GR is 492806 just overthe swing bridge, about 150m to the right. Doc Parkmap 274-13, 2004 edition shows the Belltown Manunui hut at this location, but this is a misprint. Comments: An extremely tight fit for 4 bunks! Really just a shelter if caught out by bad weather. Not much more than a (small) caravan, but it's worth a peek, and presents a good opportunity for a rest stop. No water tank or toilet seen.
Longview From: Neil Richardson Where: Ruahine State Forest Description: DOC (12) Access: 2 hours from the Kashmir road end. Comments: A well appointed hut with great views (if the weather is clear) hence the name. Gas cooking and heating.