Pahautea Hut
Located in Pirongia Forest Park in the Waikato region
Introduction
This is a standard 20-bunk hut with a campers' shelter on Mt Pirongia in the Waikato area.Facilities
- Mattresses
- Toilets - non-flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Image gallery
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Cooking area in Pahautea Hut Image: | DOC
![Cooking area in Pahautea Hut.]( "Cooking area in Pahautea Hut.")
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View of the central plateau mountains from Pahautea Hut at sunrise Image: Sean Willcock | Creative Commons
![View from Pahautea Hut.]( "View from Pahautea Hut.")
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Pahautea Hut Image: | DOC
![Pahautea Hut.]( "Pahautea Hut.")
The hut takes its name from nearby Pahautea trees (mountain cedar – Libocedrus bidwilli) growing at the northern edge of their natural range. These trees are aged between 600 and 700 years old.
Facilities and services
New in 2015, the hut sleeps 20 people on platform bunks in two bunkrooms. It has mattresses and a water supply, but no heating or cooking facilities - take a portable cooker.
Nearby, there are campsites and a camping shelter.
Fees
Hut fees
- Adult (18+ years): $5 per night
- Youth (11–17 years): $2.50 per night
- Child/Infant (0–10 years): free
Fees to camp at the hut
- Adult (18+ years): free
- Youth (11–17 years): free
- Child/Infant (0–10 years): free
Pay for the hut at the time of booking (bookings are still required for the campsite even though it's free - it reserves your spot).
Backcountry Hut Passes can be used at this hut. To pay with your Backcountry Hut Pass, create/update your account on our booking system. Under 'Apply for a discount', select 'Backcountry Hut Pass Holder' and upload a scan of your pass. Once we've verified your pass, it will automatically be applied when you make a booking.
Bookings
Bookings are open for stays from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022.
From 2 November 2020, bookings are required for the hut and campsite all year. Bookings are required for the campsite even though it's free - it reserves your spot.
A $10 service fee applies to all phone, email and in-person bookings.
Your hut booking is for any bunk bed, not for a specific bunk bed – select your bunk bed on arrival.
The hut is at the junction of Bell and Hihikiwi Tracks, close to the summit of Mt Pirongia.
Tracks to this hut
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![Pirongia summit via Bell & Tahuanui Tracks]()
Pirongia summit via Bell & Tahuanui Tracks
Located in Pirongia Forest ParkCombine these tracks for an overnight circuit to Pahautea Hut and Mount Pirongia.Duration 1 - 2 daysDifficulty Advanced -
![Pirongia summit via Hihikiwi Track]()
Pirongia summit via Hihikiwi Track
Located in Pirongia Forest ParkTake the shortest track to Pahautea Hut and Pirongia summit.Duration 4 - 6 hr one wayDifficulty Advanced -
![Pirongia summit via Mahaukura and Tirohanga Tracks]()
Pirongia summit via Mahaukura and Tirohanga Tracks
Located in Pirongia Forest ParkChoose a there-and-back track to the summit of Mount Pirongia, or combine the tracks for a circuit trip to Pahautea Hut.Duration 1 - 2 daysDifficulty Advanced
Location
Topo50 map sheet: BE33
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1783680, N5792835
- Over summer weekends more people may require accomodation than the hut can fit - take a sleeping mat or tent with you.
- It rains a lot on Pirongia - be prepared for cold, wet weather and always take a dry change of clothes with you.
- Fires are not permitted.
Contacts
| Te Rapa Office | |
| Phone: | +64 7 850 8378 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | waikato@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
5 Northway St Te Rapa Hamilton 3200 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 20025 Te Rapa Hamilton 3241 |
| Full office details | |