Otutu Hut

Located in Kaweka Forest Park in the Hawke’s Bay region

This hut is a comfortable base for many hunting opportunities and a tramping stop-over point for exploring the more remote areas of the Kaweka Forest Park.
  • Wood / coal stove suitable for cooking
  • Bench and seating forms
  • Rainwater supply from tank
  • Axe, shovel and broom
  • Meat safe
  • Long drop style toilet

Otutu Hut is located on the mid-western boundary of the Kaweka Forest Park in the area known as the “Manson Country”. The Manson area was originally grazed by sheep in the 1860’s and the surrounding country-side subjected to large fires that devastated the native vegetation.

At 1280 metres, Otutu Hut is positioned at the edge of the beech forest adjacent to a large area of open tussock. Built in 1971, this hut’s original standard design was recently upgraded to include a large, covered veranda. Although relatively sheltered from the strong westerly winds common to this area, the hut can experience a wide range of climatic conditions including brief snowfalls during cold southerly weather and heavy winter frosts.

Fees

  • Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
  • Youth (5–17 years): $5 per night
  • Child/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. Or buy a Backcountry Hut Pass that gives unlimited use at most Standard and Serviced huts for a 12 month period.

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

Helicopter

The helipad is located 30 metres immediately uphill from the hut. Flight availability and costs can be obtained from helicopter concessionaires in the central North Island.

Walking

Manson Hut (2.5 – 3.5 hr)

From Manson Hut a marked track heads north climbing up to Mt Manson (1448 metres altitude). The track turns west before crossing Manson Creek to arrive at Otutu Hut.

Rocks Ahead Hut (2.5 – 3.5 hr)

From Rocks Ahead Hut the track steeply ascends up onto Spion Kop where a poled route leads west to reach a track junction with the route from Manson Hut. From here, the track swings right and drops into the beech forest and semi-circles around to Otutu Hut. It passes over an open sub-alpine area with extensive views across to the national park.

Caution is advised when travelling in this area, especially the open tops, when poor visibility is often accompanied by high winds and cold temperatures.

Tramping

Note: Otutu Hut no longer has a northerly access to the Ngaruroro River from Ngaawapurua Hut. This track was closed in 2002.

Tramping routes are either to Rocks Ahead Hut in the east or to Manson Hut and onto to Kiwi Mouth Hut in the south.

Kaweka Forest Park access conditions

We recommend 4WD vehicles to reduce wear on the road and safe travel.

  • Lotkow Road: The river crossings are regularly changing, check before crossing.
  • Lakes carpark is accessible via Kuripapango road. The previous access Castle Rock road is now closed due to ongoing forestry operations.
  • Lawrence Carpark access road: The last 600 m of the road is steep and not recommended for 2WD vehicles - a parking space is available before the descent. The Lawrence swing bridge has been removed.
  • Mackintosh car park is currently closed due to ongoing forestry operations. A new parking location can be located at a skid site near the closed gate (end of Kuripapango Road), this will add on 500 m walking to reach the start of the track.
  • Whittle Road: Be aware of trucks using the quarry. Give them right of way where possible. 

Location

NZTopo50 map sheet: BJ37
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1878898, N5647878