Historic Field Hut

Field Hut was one of the first purpose built tramping huts in the country and is the oldest surviving recreational hut in the Tararua Ranges.  People have been visiting the Tararua Forest Park for a long time and the huts they built and used are an important link to the Park’s history.

Field Hut was built in 1924 by New Zealand’s first tramping club, the Tararua Tramping Club, to accommodate the increasing popularity of the Southern Crossing between Otaki and Kaitoke. 

The hut foundations and framing were built with pit-sawn timber from trees felled nearby, and the rest of the materials were hauled in by packhorse.

Field Hut

Over the years much of the original materials have been replaced, but the hut remains an important recreational and historic attraction.  Retaining its original character and form, people continue to enjoy staying in this excellent example of an early tramping hut. 

The hut also has sentimental value to generations of trampers and hunters who had their first experience of the rigours of the Southern Crossing while shivering in the mist-shrouded Field Hut.

Follow in the footsteps of those before you and make your Tararua tramping experience complete by spending a night at Field Hut.

Getting there

Field Hut is located North of Wellington, between Otaki and Waikanae off SH 1, and is best accessed via Otaki Forks.