Top huts for first time trampers

It’s always a great time to start planning your first true Kiwi hut experience.

DOC looks after over 950 huts of all shapes and sizes so we asked some of our staff for their experiences and picks, particularly huts suitable for first time trampers. Take a look:

Wellington

Powell Hut

Powell Hut. Photo: Keith Miller

Powell Hut is extremely popular and the fastest way to the top of the Tararua Ranges in Tararua Forest Park. The spectacular views are only a 1.5 hour drive from Wellington, easily accessed by Holdsworth Road near Masterton.

Atiwhakatu Hut

Sunset on Jumbo Circuit near Atiwhakatu Hut. Photo: Jack Mace

The near new Atiwhakatu Hut is an easy walk from Holdsworth Road. It’s popular as part of the beautiful Jumbo Circuit – a two to three day tramp involving a climb through beech-podocarp forest to some of the best alpine views in the Tararua Forest Park.

“The Holdsworth area in the Tararua’s is perfect for an overnighter. I recently walked to Atiwhakatu Hut with my girlfriend. It’s an awesome walk.” – Matthew Robinson, DOC Web Assistant.

Rangiwahia Hut

Rangiwahia Hut. Photo: Peter Daly

Further north of Wellington, “Rangiwahia Hut is quite cool.” Says Jack Mace, National Advisor for Operations.

“It’s about a three hour drive from Wellington and a two hour walk to the hut. The track up is great, an easy benched track, with a beautiful arched bridge near the top. On a good day you will get spectacular views of Ruapehu and the Rangitikei.”

Totara Flats Hut

Totara Flats Hut. Photo: Brian Dobbie

Totara Flats hut is found on the Holdsworth to Kaitoke Track, Tararua Forest Park.  The track follows the Waiohine and Tauherenikau Rivers for 36 km between Holdsworth and Kaitoke and is a good introduction for trampers new to the Tararuas.

“A couple of female friends got all dressed up and walked in for a proper ladies afternoon tea once. Think it gave the old guys at the hut a bit of a surprise.” – Recreation Manager Richard Davies.

Relaxing in the hot pools on Great Barrier Island. Photo: Andris Apse

Great Barrier Island, Auckland

Mt Heale Hut

Aotea/Great Barrier Island is Auckland’s only multi-day wildness walk in the region.

The Aotea Track features Mt Heale Hut with breathtaking views.

“The track takes you through magnificent scenery to secluded hot springs and waterfalls” – Jana Beer, DOC’s Auckland Office.

View from Mt Heale Hut. Photo: Andris Apse

Kaiaraara Hut

Kaiaraara Hut. Photo: Andris Apse

Great Barrier’s Kaiaraara Hut offers rustic charm. The track has a combination of easy walking tracks, boardwalks, steep climbs, stairways and bridges, and is suitable for reasonably fit beginners or experienced trampers.

Depending on your fitness level and how you plan to walk it, the Aotea/Great Barrier Island tracks can be completed in two days and one night, or three days and two nights.

Christchurch

Mt Somers Forest

Woolshed Creek Hut. Photo: Jorg Nittmann

Woolshed Creek Hut

The Mount Somers area in mid-Canterbury has amazing volcanic formations and deep canyons.

A group of keen locals built the tracks, forming the Mt Somers Walkways society.

It’s a 1-3 hour walk to the hut or, a few days if you take the more advanced track – Mount Somers Track.

Packhorse Hut

Packhorse Hut. Photo: Jon Sullivan

There are a couple of trails to choose from to get to the historic Packhorse Hut. The hut was planned as part of a series of ‘rest houses’ for those journeying between Christchurch to Akoroa. The shortest walk to get there takes about an hour 20.

Bealey Spur Hut

Bealey Spur Hut. Photo: Jason Blair

If you want a true taste of history, this is a classic example of an original New Zealand musterer’s hut. You’ll be pleased to know that the original uncomfy chaff sack mattress bunks have been replaced. It’s a beautiful walk in through the famous Arthur’s Pass area.

All of these huts are short walks (under 4 hours to walk to). Do you have a favourite hut you would recommend? Share your recommendations below.