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New Zealand Huts from M to N |
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MacGregor Bivouac Date: September 2008 Where: Tararua forest park, near Angle Knob. Description: DOC Biv (2) Access: Two hours from Jumbo hut. From Jumbo Peak the route is reasonably clear as far as Angle Knob. From Angle Knob drop onto the Angle Knob MacGregor peak saddle. The spur leading to the biv can be hard to spot in (frequent) poor visibility but starts a few metres after passing a couple of tarns. Another tarn sits on the spur just before the biv. Comments: Located just above the bush-line. A small and cramped (no standing possible inside) biv with plenty of water but no toilet. Quite damp inside. Limited space for camping outside. |
McKellar Where: By Lake McKellar in the Wakatipu Forest (just south of Fiordland National Park) Description: DOC (20) Access: 2 easy hours from Howden Hut, 6 hours from Greenstone Hut. Comments: A nice hut in a scenic location. |
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Mackenzie Where: By Lake MacKenzie, Fiordland National Park Description: DOC (48) Access: 5 hours from Routeburn Falls Hut via Harris Saddle, 3.5 hours to Howden Hut. Comments: This is a Great Walks hut that has to be booked in advance as does camping nearby. You can only stay 2 nights. The main building (pictured) sleeps 24 in bunks and a sleeping platform upstairs and contains the kitchen (gas stoves) and living areas. A separate bunkhouse sleeps 24 in 6 4-person sleeping platforms. |
Mackintosh Date: 2009 Where: Kaweka Forest Park, Hawke's Bay. Map - topomap Kaweka U20 Description: DOC (4) Access: From Mackintosh car park off Kuripapango Road, approx. 2 hours. From Lakes Road car park, approx. 3.5 hours. Ther are tracks from Mackintosh hut to Kiwi Saddle hut, Studholme Saddle hut & bivvy, and Makahu saddle. Comments: The hut's been enlarged and refurbished - now has sleeping platforms with foam mattresses, new woodburner, water tank, new sink bench and deck - much more spacious and user-friendly than the old hut. Set in a large clearing, with plenty space for camping. Great place to spend a night, or for a longer day tramp. |
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Magdalen Date: June 2011 Where: St James Conservation Area. Description: DOC, 6 Bunks. Standard Access: 3-4 hrs from Boyle Village, SH 7, Lewis Pass Highway. 1.5 hrs from Boyle Flats Hut. Comments: A cosy hut well stocked with fire wood for those cold winter nights. One of the nicest, newer 6 bunk huts I have ever stayed in. Excellent outlook over the Poplars Range. |
Makaratu Where: Ruahine State Forest Description: DOC (6) Access: 3 to 4 hours walk from Kashmir Road end or 2.5 to 3 hours from Longview Hut. Comments: A well maintained old Forest Service hut in an interesting part of the Ruahine's. |
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Makarora Date: October 2010 Where: Mt Aspiring National Park. Description: DOC (4) Access: 5-7 hours from SH6. Comments: Ex NZFS hut, upgraded with linings and a potbelly. Lovely location on flats. |
Makino Date: December 2006 Where: Kaweka Forest Park, Hawkes Bay. Description: DOC (6) Access: From Makahu Road, approx. 3 hours. From Te Puia Lodge, approx. 2 hours up most direct route. Tracks to and from various other other huts in the Kawekas such as Middle Hill (5 hours), Ballard (3.5 - 4.5 hours) and Mangaturutu (4 hours). Comments: Basic, refurbished Forest Service 6-bunk hut, with steel bunks and foam mattresses. Comfortable, with character. Has a woodburning Corker Cooker stove, and outside water supply. Toilet and helipad. Plenty extra space for camping. Popular with hunters and trampers alike, and makes a good destination for a day tramp, or as part of a 3-day circuit with Te Puia Lodge (leaving car at "The Gums" carpark). |
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Mangahao Flats Date: 26 October 2003 Where: Mangahao Flats, Tararua State Forest. Description: DOC (18) Access: Access is from Shannon via a metal road passing a Power Station and three dams until a carpark is located near the top dam after about 40 minutes drive. The hut is reached after approximately 5 to 6 hours of tramping using the sidle track. With the exception of Roaring Creek all the main side creeks are bridged. Comments: Over summer or during low river levels this hut can be reached by tramping and swimming up the river itself. The section from the swingbridge which crosses the Mangahao River up as far as Harris Creek contains many deep pools which you may need to swim across. The hut itself is in excellent condition, sleeping 18 on two platforms, has a wood burner and a great supply of dry firewood. |
Mangamate Date: April 2004 Where: Whirinaki Forest Park, Central North Island. Description: DOC (9) Access: From/to Central Whirinaki Hut, about 3 - 3.5 hours. From/to River Road end (near Minginui), about 4 hours. Comments: Warm, cosy hut situated on a small saddle with good views over valley - 9 bunks with mattresses. Hut refurbished and moved to present spot just before our visit. Very efficient woodburner. Water and toilet. Picnic table and nice flat area for camping. Makes a great 2nd overnight stop in a 3-day round trip from River Road end via Central Whirinaki hut. Just note that whichever way you go, wet feet are guaranteed - nice streambashing both ways. Tip - wear gaiters, and/or long sleeves - heaps of hook-grass and ongaonga. Check weather forecasts beforehand. |
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Mangatepopo Where: On the Mangatepopo Stream north of the Whakapapa Village, Tongariro National Park. Description: DOC (22) Access: 30 minutes from the road-end, 3 hours from Whakapapa Village (allow 5 in bad weather), 5.5 hours from Ketetahi Hut and 5.5 hours from Oturere. Comments: A Great Walk hut (needs dated hut ticket in advance), easily accessible from the road-end. Gas heater and gas stove (in summer). Central living/cooking area with a sleeping room on each side. About 8 formed camping sites outside. The 3 hour walk in from Whakapapa is along a rough track locally known as The Ditch. Mt. Taranaki is visible above the hut in the photo. |
Mangatoetoe Date: March 2008 Where: Aorangi Foest Park Description: DOC (6) Access: Approximately 1 hour from the coastal village of Mangatoetoe. Comments: The hut is accessible by 4-wheel drive vehicle. There is plenty of good camping space around the hut. The hut has recently been tidied up and is in very good order. A new long drop has recently been added. |
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Marauiti Where: Waikaremoana Great Walk, Te Urewera National Park, East Coast/Hawkes Bay. Description: DOC (26) Access: By boat/kayak, or 5 hours walk from Waiopaoa Hut (clockwise) or 2 hours walk from Waiharuru Hut. Comments: A nice hut for summer trips, with a nice outlook over the valley and lake/inlet. From Waiopaoa Hut the track heads up the Waiopaoa Stream. Shortly after heading through a kanuka forest there is a turn-off to Korokoro Falls. The falls are a 30 minute walk up a side track. The track continues through a short patch of private land then a brief climb over Whakaneke Ridge takes you to Marauiti Hut. From Waiharuru Hut the track stays close to the shore before crossing a saddle. When you cross the swing bridge you can see the hut off to the left. |
Maropea Forks Where: Ruahine Forest Park Description: DOC (6) Comments: 6 bunks. Right on the rivers edge. No water supply so treat or boil river water. |
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Mason Bay Date: Jan 2012 Where: Rakiura National Park, Stewart Island Description: DOC (20) Access: From Big Hellfire hut, about 8 hours via bush and beach (boulder and sand) tracks. Whilst it is a long day, it is probably one of the best for variety. From the hut, there is a 200m climb to the highest point on the circuit, followed by a descent to Little Hellfire Beach. Then another 260 climb over Mason Head headland to reach Mason Bay beach. Initially it's about 1km of boulder hopping, then around a small headland jutting out into the sea, followed by a glorious beach walk to the marker to Mason Bay hut.Getting around the small headland is subject to the tide, so check tide times for the date you intend doing this section. Access to Mason Bay hut can also be made via plane (landing on the beach!) or by water taxi to Freshwater Landing, followed by a 3.5 hour walk. Comments: Nice hut, but not much character. Three bunkrooms with mixed bunks and sleeping platform arrangement with mattresses. Strange layout - from the bunkrooms there's no direct access to the kitchen - go outside, down the deck, and into another door into the kitchen. Large kitchen/common area, with woodburner and inside water supply/sink benches. Two outside toilets. Wardens are in residence nearby at the homestead, so tickets/hut passes will be checked! This is a busy, popular hut, suggest tent, or be prepared to sleep on the floor. This hut is well known for kiwi spotting, frequent sightings. |
Maungahuka Date: 4 June 2007 Where: Maungahuka on the Main Range, Tararua Forest Park Description: DOC (10) Access: 5 hours from Kime, 5.5 from Anderson Memorial, 3.5 to 4 hours up from Neill Forks Hut. Comments: This is the new Maungahuka hut built in in 2006. |
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Meg Where: Wanaka Description: DOC (8) Access: Access is 1.5 hrs from Cardrona Road via Tuohys Saddle. Comments: The hut has 8 bunks and mattresses. A nice little hut with an open fire place and lots of character. There is water from the stream behind the hut and a large supply of dry firewood. Access is via a good track and could be done on a mountain bike. |
Mid Greenstone Where: Greenstone Valley in the the Wakatipu Forest (just south of Fiordland National Park) Description: DOC (12) Access: 6 hours from McKellar Hut. Comments: This has been replaced by the Greenstone Hut at the site of the old Sly Burn Hut which is about an hour further on and 5.5 hours to the road end. |
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Mid Waiohine Date: October 2011 Where: Waiohine River, Tararua Forest Park Description: DOC (6) Access: 2.5-3.5 hours from Powell Hut via Mt Holdsworth. 4-5 hours from Maungahuka Hut via Aokaparangi. Comments: One of the Tararua's best kept secrets. Sited under huge Rimu trees. This hut has been given historic classification from DOC to protect its wild animal control days. The open fireplace and wooden windows will remain.6 bunks with mattresses. Water from a small creek nearby. Well worth a visit. |
Middy Where: Midway up the Pelorus River, Richmond Forest Park Description: DOC (6) Access: 2.5 hours down from Rocks Hut, 4 hours to Roebuck Hut, 3 hours to Captain Creek Hut, 7 hours from Mt. Fell Hut. Comments: Nice location but tons of sandflies on the river bank. |
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Middle Hill Date: Nov 2006 Where: Kaweka Forest Park Description: DOC (6) Access: About 2.5 hours from Makahu Road carpark, 5 hours from Kaweka Road carpark (Makahu Saddle hut), 2 - 2.5 hours from Kaweka Flats biv, and 4 - 6 hours to Ballard and/or Makino huts. Comments: Nice comortable hut in a clearing, with some good views. Recently done up by DOC, with nice covered veranda and seats. Bunks with mattresses, water, fireplace, toilet. Good atmosphere. |
Miners Date: October 2001 Where: Roaring Meg, on Cardrona Pack Track. Description: Private hut. Sleeps 2 Access: 3 hrs from Cardrona Road via Tuohys Saddle, 4-5 hours from Roaring Meg Power Station State Highway 8. Comments: Historic hut in area of old gold workings. |
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Mitre Flats Where: Mitre Flats (Waingawa River), Tararua Forest Park Description: MTC (20) Access: 3 hours from the Waingawa road end. 3.5 hrs upriver to Cow Creek Hut. Comments: Modern hut. Good porch. Often a starting or ending point for the ascent of Mitre (at 1571m the highest peak in the Tararuas). |
Moerangi Date: October 2004 Where: Whirinaki Forest Park, upper Moerangi River. Description: DOC (8) Access: From/to River Road, Minginui, 5 hours. From Roger's Hut (also known as Te Wairoa) 5 - 6 hours. Comments: Nice, cosy hut with 8 individual bunks (with mattresses), outside sink bench/water supply. Woodburner, outside toilet. Plenty camping space outside. Great tramping from Roger's, but don't believe signs saying 3 or 4 hours! Saw a number of Whio on the river en route. DoC doing work in track to/from River Road, which may reduce walking time. |
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Mt. Arthur Where: Above Flora Saddle, Kahurangi National Park. Description: DOC (6) Access: 1 hour from Flora Saddle or Flora Hut. 3-4 hours across Gordon's Pyramid from Salisbury Lodge. Comments: Nice little hut popular with day-trippers from Flora carpark. Gas stove and heater. Allows an interesting 5 hour excursion up to Mt. Arthur (1795m). Couple of keas in the bush nearby. |
Mt Bee Date: June 2011 Where: Eyre Mountains/Taka Rã Haka Conservation Park. Description: DOC (8) Access: 2 hours walk (or a short drive) up a 4wd road from Irthing Road. Comments: Appears to be an ex-musterers hut. 3 buildings - one living area, one with 2 bunk rooms and one that appears top have been a hut previously but is now a huge woodshed. Routes exist to The Mansion (unmarked), Cromel Base Hut, Cromel Branch Hut and Irthing Biv. |
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Mt. Fell Date: November 2011 Where: SMt Richmond Forest Park. Description: DOC (6) Access: From Te Pou Rd (off Northbank Rd, Wairau River), 5-6 hours. Also 4 hours from Richmond Saddle Hut or 7 hours from Middy Hut. Comments: Standard NZFS 6 bunker in a clearing just below bushline. |
Mueller Date: 15 Jan 2003 Where: Sealy Range, Mount Cook National Park. Description: DOC (28) Access: 3.5 from the Hermitage. Usually an easy scramble in summer with one permanent snowfield en-route. Comments: Outstanding views of Mts Sefton, Cook and the Mueller Glacier. Makes and excellent day-trip but with increasing popularity it's worth making an early start to beat the crowds and heat of the afternoon. This new hut was opened mid-2003, the old one having been removed by burning because it was too badly deteriorated and located on unstable ground. The new hut has 28 bunks, and is built to withstand the impact of the harsh weather and strong winds. Picture courtesy of Jim Harding |
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Myttons Where: Cobb Reservoir, Kahurangi National Park. Description: DOC (4) Access: 30 minutes from reservoir road, 1 hour from Trilobite Hut. 3 hours from Balloon Hut. Comments: Four bunks with mattresses. Water from tap outside - possibly from nearby creek. |
Neill Forks Where: Neill Forks (Hector River), Tararua Forest Park Description: DOC (6) Access: 6-7 hours from Tutuwai Hut via Cone. 7 hours from the Mt. Holdsworth road end. Comments: 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 side-trip up or downstream. |
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Ngapotiki Date: November 1997 Where: On the coast at White Rock, Haurangi Forest Park. Map reference NZMS 260 S28 063-553. Description: NZDA (15) Access: 4 wheel drive access across private land or about one hours walk from the road end. Comments: Very popular with surfies who are not popular with NZDA who own the hut. |
Nina Where: Lake Sumner Forest Park Description: DOC (10) Access: 3 hours easy tramping from the Lewis Pass Highway. Comments: The track starts opposite the Palmer Lodge on the highway and follows a benched track up the valley. After an hour or so a new swingbridge is reached and the track carries across some flats before a small climb brings you to the hut. |
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North Arm Date: December 2001 Where: Rakiura Track, Stewart Island Description: DOC (30) Access: 4-5 hours from Half Moon Bay or 6 hours from Port William Hut. Comments: Part of the Rakiura Track (a Great Walk). Mattresses, wood burner, running water. Beautifully sited in the North Arm of Patterson Inlet. |
North Ohau Where: Tararua Forest Park Description: DOC (4) Access: 4 ½ hours from Poads Road. Comments: This is a new hut which is quite cosy. It has 4 bunks, a good wood burner, and a water tank and sink outside. It is located on a terrace above the north branch of the Ohau river. |
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