Downes Hut

Located in Whanganui National Park in the Manawatu/Whanganui region

This is a serviced five-bunk, boat-in only hut in the Whanganui region. Camping is not allowed in this area.

Fees

Backcountry Hut Passes

Passes are valid for use in this hut from 1 May to 30 September. Passes won't be accepted from 1 October to 30 April.

  • Adult (18+ years): $25 per night
  • Youth (5–17 years): $12.50 per night
  • Child/Infant (0–4 years): free

Te Araroa – The Trail Pass

Te Araroa Trail walkers should register and purchase the Te Araroa Trail Pass.

Bookings

Bookings for the 2026/27 season open at 12 noon on Tuesday 12 May 2026.  

  • If no availability shows online for your dates, the hut is fully booked.
  • No spaces are kept for visitors arriving without a booking.
  • Phone and in‑person bookings made at a visitor centre incur a $10 service fee.
  • Same‑day bookings are available online until 8 pm if spaces remain.

Booking are required all year.

Book Downes Hut online.

You can only access this hut from the Whanganui River. There are no tracks or roads to it.

Location

NZTopo50 map sheet: BK33
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1782660, N5600502
  • No camping is allowed in this area. There is a council campground at Otumaire you can access from the river.
  • Boil, filter or treat water if you doubt its purity
  • There is no cellphone coverage on the Whanganui River.
  • Wasps are a known hazard and are particularly common from January until May. Carry antihistamine if you are allergic to their stings

Weather

New Zealand's weather can be highly unpredictable - expect weather changes and be prepared for them. More information: Check the Whanganui rural area weather forecast of the MetService website.

On the Whanganui River

  • Heavy rain and flooding can occur at any time of year on the Whanganui River and the weather can change quickly. You will need to be prepared for rain, cold and windy conditions.
  • Don’t canoe the river when water levels are predicted to rise or it is in flood – you won't be charged for staying an extra night at a campsite or hut due to high river levels.
    If you capsize, you may not be able to get back in, or swim to the river’s edge.
  • Canoeing into the wind can be demanding – allow extra travelling time between stopovers in windy conditions.
    To make better progress under south-westerly wind conditions, paddle your canoe along the river edges.
  • Always pull your canoe up high on the bank and tie it to something secure. It may not be raining on the river, but rain elsewhere in the large catchment can cause the river to rise several metres overnight.