Image gallery
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Facilities and services
- Cold shower, solar lighting, BBQ, gas cookers and a solid fuel burner.
- A warden is present at all times.
- Water is limited and not always available.
Check in and out
Check in: 2 pm
Check out: 9 am
The kitchen and bunkrooms are closed between 9 am and 2 pm. For emergency assistance, try the warden's hut.
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.
Sunday to Thursday
- Adult (18+ years): $25 per night
- Child/youth (5-17 years): $12.50 per night
- Infant (0-4 years): free
Friday and Saturday
- Adult (18+ years): $35 per night
- Child/youth (5–17 years): $17.50 per night
- Infant: (0-4 years): free
Bookings
Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2026.
If there is no availability showing online for your dates, the campsite is fully booked. No sites are held for campers turning up on the day without a booking. You can book on the same day until 8 pm, if spaces are available.
A $10 service fee applies to phone and in-person booking. This is a limited service – book online first. An in-person booking is dependent on there being space available.
Your hut booking is for any bunk bed, not for a specific bunk bed – select your bunk bed on arrival.
Pinnacles Hut in the upper Kauaeranga Valley is a three hour walk from the roadend.
Tracks to this hut
-
Duration: 3 hr one way Difficulty: Intermediate -
Duration: 6 hr one way Difficulty: Advanced
Location
Topo50 map sheet: BB35
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1841123, N5897069
- Bring your own water if doing the day walk (around 2 to 3 litres).
- Bring your own eating and cooking utensils.
Weather forecast
Nature's in trouble
Thousands of New Zealand’s native species are heading towards extinction. Once they’re gone, they’re gone for good. Nature needs your help.
Kauaeranga Visitor Centre
| Phone: | +64 7 867 9080 |
| Email: | kauaerangavc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: | 995C Kauaeranga Valley Road Thames 3577 |
| Hours: | Visitor centre hours and services |