Located in Kaweka Forest Park in the Hawke’s Bay region
Manson Hut is located in the lower central section of the area known as the “Manson Country”. This area is separated from the rest of the Kaweka Forest Park by the Ngaruroro River.
Built in 1972 this hut’s original standard hut design was upgraded in 2003 with a large, covered veranda and interior modifications. Manson Hut is a comfortable base for many hunting opportunities and a tramping stop-over point for exploring the more remote western areas of the Kaweka Forest Park.
At 1280 metres altitude, the hut is positioned on a level site below a ridge and sited at the edge of the steep stream gully. Relatively sheltered from the strong westerly winds common to this area, the hut can experience a wide range of climatic conditions which can include brief snowfalls during cold southerly weather and heavy winter frosts.
The helipad is located 20 metres in front of the hut. Flight availability and costs can be obtained from helicopter concessionaires in the central North Island.
From Otutu Hut a marked track crosses Manson Creek before turning east and climbing up to Mt Manson (1448 metres). The track then heads south to Manson Hut.
From Rocks Ahead Hut, the track steeply ascends up onto Spion Kop where a poled route leads west to Manson Hut, via Mount Manson (1448 metres altitude).
From Kiwi Mouth Hut, a marked track heads south west (downstream of the Ngaruroro River) crossing the river by swingbridge and climbs steadily up to Manson Hut (4.5 km) taking 2.5 – 3.5 hours. Caution should be applied to travel in this area, especially the open tops, when poor visibility is often accompanied by high winds and cold temperatures.
Tramping routes are provided to Rocks Ahead Hut in the east, Otutu Hut to the north or onto to Kiwi Mouth Hut in the south.
NZTopo50 map sheet: BJ37
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1881134, N5645285
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 that gives unlimited use at most Standard and Serviced huts for a 6 or 12-month period.
| Ahuriri / Napier Office | |
| Phone: | +64 6 834 3111 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | napier@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
59 Marine Parade Napier 4110 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 644 Napier 4140 |
| Full office details | |
