The hut replaced 'The Gorge Tent Camp' that was built in 1966 on the flats upstream and later washed away by flooding. The current hut was built in 1981 by John Pickford using flat iron from the Takapari Road exclosure plot and gravel from the river. Concrete was flown in.
Fees
Free
There are no tracks that lead directly from a road end or another hut to Top Gorge Hut.
The routes listed below have been used to access Top Gorge Hut. Note these are not DOC tracks and are not maintained, signposted or marked. Many involve crossing rivers.
- From Longview Hut, travel into the upper Pohangina River and follow it through several waterfalls that must be negotiated with care. The river then provides straightforward travel to the hut.
- From Rocky Knob (1226 m), drop off the ridge in the saddle just south of Rocky Knob. The route descends through lightly cut leatherwood onto an open face and into the Pohangina River upstream from Top Gorge Hut. This route avoids waterfalls.
- From Leon Kinvig Hut, follow the Pohangina River upstream negotiating several deep pools on the way. The main gorge (approximately 1 km downstream from Top Gorge Hut) has a rough route that sidles above on the true right.
- From the Ngamoko Tops, drop straight down onto Top Gorge Hut.
Location
NZTopo50 map sheet: BL36
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1865199, N5571219
Stay safe when crossing rivers
If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.
Do not cross if the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.
DOC Customer Service Centre
| Phone: | 0800 275 362 |
| Email: | manawatu@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: | Te Papaioea / Palmerston North Office |