Waitawheta Hut
Image: Sharlene Laskey | ©
Waitawheta Hut
Located in Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park in the Bay of Plenty region
Introduction
This is a serviced 26-bunk hut in the Tauranga area. The hut must be booked online in advance. No booking is required for camping but fees still apply.Hut overview
Facilities
- Heating
- Mattresses
- Toilets - non-flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
About this hut
Inside Waitawheta Hut
Image: Sharlene Laskey ©
Facilities and services
There are two bunkrooms, a separate dining/lounge area, and a generous deck outside. The grassy area around the hut provides plenty of space for camping.
Don't clear undergrowth or scrub to create tent sites or bivouacs - it's harmful to our native plants. It's also a criminal offence so alert DOC as soon as possible if you witness this behaviour occurring.
A hut warden is present most weekends during the summer season.
Cooking facilities are not provided at the hut, so you must bring your own stove and utensils, adding to the backcountry experience at Waitawheta.
No rubbish collection is available so all waste must be carried out with you.
Pets are not allowed at the hut, including dogs. Dogs are not allowed in the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park (exception for permitted hunters with hunting dogs).
Getting there
The hut is reached via Waitawheta Tramway, which starts about 11 km from Waihi.
In Waihi, turn off SH 2 onto Kenny Street. Turn right into Victoria Street and follow this as it becomes Frankton Road, then Waitawheta Road. After about 9 km, turn off Waitawheta Road into Franklin Road. Follow this to the parking area at the end.
Tracks to the hut
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Waitawheta Tramway
Located in Kaimai Mamaku Conservation ParkFollow an old tramline (1898 - 1928) on a relatively flat track through the spectacular Waitawheta Gorge - with interpretation panels as well, it's a great option for kids.Duration 8 hr (return), 3-4 hrs one wayDifficulty Intermediate -
North-South Track
Located in Kaimai Mamaku Conservation ParkThis is a multi-day tramp using rugged, unmarked routes suitable for expert backcountry trampers only. Trampers will need to camp in addition to staying in huts.Duration 5 - 7 daysDifficulty Expert
Location
NZTopo50 map sheet: BC35
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1847987, N5843046
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
- Youth (11 - 17 years): $7.50 per night
- Child/Infant: (0 - 10 years): free
Pay when you make a booking – Backcountry Hut Tickets and Backcountry Hut Passes can't be used to pay for use of this hut.
Fees to camp at the hut
- Adult (18+ years): $5 per night
- Youth (11 - 17 years): $2.50 per night
- Child/Infant (0 - 10 years): free
Before you go, buy 1 Standard Hut Ticket (blue for adults, yellow for youth) for each night's stay. Put this in the honesty box at the hut. Or buy a Backcountry Hut Pass, which includes unlimited use of campsites at Serviced huts for a 6 or 12 month period.
Read more about hut tickets and passes | Find retailers that sell hut tickets
Bookings
Hut bookings
Bunk space at Waitawheta Hut must be booked online in advance.
Book Waitawheta Hut online or contact the Tauranga Office.
Proof of purchase will be required. Visitors who have not booked in advance will need to bring a tent and camp in the grassy areas at the hut site.
Campsite bookings
Bookings are not required to camp outside the hut.
Contacts
| Tauranga Office | |
| Phone: | +64 7 578 7677 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | taurangainfo@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
253 Chadwick Road West Greerton West Tauranga 3112 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 9003 Greerton West Tauranga 3142 |
| Full office details | |