John Coull Hut

Image: Daniel Deans | DOC

John Coull Hut

Located in Whanganui National Park in the Manawatu/Whanganui region

Introduction

This is a 24-bunk hut located on the Whanganui Journey in the Whanganui area.

Hut overview

Category

  • Category
Great Walk

Bookings

  • Bookings

Bookings required

Facilities

  • Cooking
  • Heating
  • Mattresses
  • Toilets - non-flush
  • Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
24 bunk beds

Seasonal restrictions

In the Great Walks season (1 October 2019 – 30 April 2020):

  • Bookings are required

Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2020 - 30 September 2020):

  • Bookings are not required - first come, first served
  • Facilities are reduced

About this hut

Tracks to the hut

Location

NZTopo50 map sheet: BJ32
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1765226, N5655601

Fees

In the Great Walks season (1 October 2019 – 30 April 2020):

  • Adult (18+ years): $32 per night
  • Child (17 years and under): free but booking still required

Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2020 - 30 September 2020):

  • Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
  • Child (17 years and under): free

Bookings

Know before you go

  • Maximum 2 consecutive nights stay for Whanganui Journey river trip campers
  • No fires are permitted at this campground
  • Boil, filter or treat water if you doubt its purity
  • There is no cellphone coverage on the Whanganui River.
  • Wasps are a known hazard and are particularly common from January until May. Carry antihistamine if you are allergic to their stings
  • New Zealand's weather can be highly unpredictable - expect weather changes and be prepared for them. More information: Check the Whanganui rural area weather forecast of the MetService website.

On the Whanganui River, be aware that:

  • Heavy rain and flooding can occur at any time of year on the Whanganui River and the weather can change quickly. You will need to be prepared for rain, cold and windy conditions.
  • Don’t canoe the river when water levels are predicted to rise or it is in flood - you won't be charged for staying an extra night at a campsite or hut due to high river levels. If you capsize, you may not be able to get back in, or swim to the river’s edge.
  • Canoeing into the wind can be demanding – allow extra travelling time between stopovers in windy conditions.
  • Always pull your canoe up high on the bank and tie it to something secure. It may not be raining on the river, but rain elsewhere in the large catchment can cause the river to rise several metres overnight.

More information:

For a comprehensive gear list, read New Zealand Recreational Canoeing Association’s Guide to the Whanganui River.

Trip intentions

Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.

Contacts

Whanganui Office
Phone:   +64 6 349 2100
Fax:   +64 4 471 1117
Email:   whanganui@doc.govt.nz
Address:   34-36 Taupo Quay
Whanganui 4500
Postal Address:   Private Bag 3016
Whanganui 4540
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