Image: Megan Dimozantos, Back Country Trust | ©
Exterior of the refurbished Leon Kinvig Hut and new woodshed.
Leon Kinvig Hut

Located in Ruahine Forest Park in the Manawatu/Whanganui region

This is a standard eight-bunk hut in the Manawatu.

Leon Kinvig Hut was refurbished by the Back Country Trust in 2024, after it was swept off its piles during Cyclone Gabrielle. The hut was still in good structural condition, so the Back Country Trust (BCT) stepped in to save it.

It was moved to a more robust location 600 m downstream. Renovations included new foundations, installation of a post and beam, new windows, new cladding and internal wall lining, a new deck and verandah, a new colour scheme and a new woodshed and toilet. The work was completed over several trips between April 2024 and June 2025. Thanks very much to the BCT team.

Facilities

  • Water source - river
  • Heating source - woodburner
  • Bunks - platform

Note that sometimes rain comes down the chimney.

Fees

  • Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
  • Youth (5–17 years): $5 per night
  • Child/Infant (0–4 years): free

Bookings aren't required. But 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 passesRetailers that sell hut tickets and passes

Tracks to this hut

Location

NZTopo50 map sheet: BL36
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1862111.2424, N5566909.5256