The name of the hut originates from the finding of a shirt labelled “XXX” which was the only clue found of a missing pilot (Hamish Armstrong) who crashed into the ranges above Sunrise Hut in 1935.
The original hut was constructed in 1973 by the New Zealand Forest Service. Triplex Hut is located quite close to the roadend at 630m above sea level, making it a popular recreational base for school/family groups and novice overnight trampers.
The hut has 12 bunks in two separate bunkrooms, tank water supply and a woodburner for heating.
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
- Youth (5–17 years): $5 per night
- Child/Infant (0–4 years): free
Backcountry Hut Passes can be used at this hut.
About hut tickets and passes | Retailers that sell hut tickets and passes
Bookings
Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2025.
All bookings are first-come first-served. We do not have waiting lists for bookings for future seasons or facilities that are already booked-out.
Bookings are required all year.
A $10 service fee applies to phone and in-person booking. This is a limited service – book online first. An in-person booking is dependent on there being space available.
Your hut booking is for any bunk bed, not for a specific bunk bed – select your bunk bed on arrival.
Triplex Hut is accessed from North Block Road. From State Highway 50, turn towards the ranges onto Wakarara Road. After 20 km, turn left into North Block Road and continue to the road end. The last 4 km of this road travels through private farmland. Do not disturb stock and leave gates as you find them.
From the car park, follow the farm track for approximately 10 minutes. Triplex Hut is just inside the park boundary.
Tracks to this hut
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Duration: 1 hr Difficulty: Easy
Location
NZTopo50 map sheet: BK36
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1873799, N5590232
Booking office contact
| Phone: | +64 7 867 9080 |
| Email: | kauaerangavc@doc.govt.nz |
DOC Customer Service Centre
| Phone: | 0800 275 362 |
| Email: | manawatu@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: | Te Papaioea / Palmerston North Office |