Image: Neil Hutton | ©
Central Whirinaki Hut.
Central Whirinaki Hut

Located in Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park in the East Coast region

Central Whirinaki is the gateway to Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne. It is the most popular hut in the Whirinaki and has been extended to accommodate more people.

Central Whirinaki Hut is a large 25 bunk hut that is tucked into a clearing of beech trees alongside the Whirinaki River.

It has a few living area platforms and a large kitchen area with a good fire. The hut doesn't have a constant supply of firewood, so pack to be prepared for no firewood. 

It is the only serviced hut on the Whirinaki circuit and surrounding area’s circuit known as the “Te Hoe Circuit”. You can reach it from Plateau Road (Taupo end) or River Road (near Murupara).

This is a popular overnight alternative on the Whirinaki Track. The track follows a very smooth path with views of the Whirinaki River with crystal clear waters and sightings of the whio (blue duck) as well as the sound of tui and robins. There are amazing podocarp trees that include rimu, tōtara, matai and miro.

Sited in a large grassy clearing on the Whirinaki River, Central Whirinaki Hut is the gateway to Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne. It is the most spacious hut in the Whirinaki. 

Fees

Hut

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

Before you go, buy 1 Serviced Hut Ticket (green) or 1 Serviced Youth Hut Ticket (red) for each night's stay. Put these in the honesty box at the hut. 

Camping

  • Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
  • Youth (5-17 years): $5 per night
  • Infant (0-4 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. 

About hut tickets and passes | Retailers that sell hut tickets and passes

Directions to River road carpark via Minginui

From Rotorua travel 25 km south on SH5 and turn left at Maunga Kākaramea onto SH38. Continue following SH38 heading east for the next 36 km arriving in Murupara. Keep on this route and continue south along Te Whaiti road for the next 20 km arriving at the turnoff onto Minginui road.

Travel along Minginui road for 9 km until you reach Minginui Village, the road turns to the right and continues on the border of Minginui Village and bring you to a crossroad intersection. Turn right at the crossroad on to Old Te Whaiti road a follow down an unpaved gravel road turning left after the first bridge and left again onto River road.

Follow down a one-lane road for 7 km until you arrive at River Road carpark.

Directions to Plateau road carpark via Minginui

From the crossroad near Minginui turn right as if you were going to River road carpark, however, do not turn left after the first bridge, continue over the second bridge and turn left onto South/Main road. Follow the direction signs marked at every major intersection to guide you for the next 43 km onto Plateau carpark.

Directions to Plateau or River Road Carpark via Napier/Taupō (SH5)

Turn onto Pohokura Road near the Waipunga Falls rest area and follow down an unpaved road over the bridge and onwards for the next 18 km with the Waipunga river to your left. After 18kms you will meet up with the directions signs to assist you onto Plateau carpark.  You can also follow the exit signs back to Minginui Village and accessing through River Road carpark.  

These directions will also help you access both Matakuhia Carpark and Pukahunui Carparks

Track to Central Whirinaki Hut

Times from carparks:

  • River Road Carpark to the hut – 4 hr 45 min
  • Plateau Carpark to the hut – 3 hr

The track to Central Whirinaki Hut is a good standard, making for quick and easy travel. From Vern’s Camp the track follows high above the river giving some birds-eye views. Beware of ongaonga (stinging nettle).

Tracks to this hut

Location

NZTopo50 map sheet: BG38
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1917397, N5702324

This hut doesn't have a constant supply of firewood, so it has reduced fees.

Soak hole

There is a soak hole 30 minutes south of the Central Whirinaki Hut. There is plenty room to pass however be cautious when approaching the soak hole. It is located at grid reference (E1917848 N5701039) /lat38.7821248 log176.6589134.