Pāhautea 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.")
This hut sits right next to Pāhautea Hut Campsite.
Facilities and services
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.
Name of the hut
The hut takes its name from nearby pāhautea trees (mountain cedar – Libocedrus bidwilli) growing at the northern edge of their natural range. These trees are aged between 600 and 700 years old.
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
For both the hut and campsite, you must book. Even though the campsites are free of charge, a booking is required to secure your place.
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 2023.
2023/24 bookings
Bookings for 1 July 2023 – 30 June 2024 will open in 2023. The opening date will be announced on this page in late March 2023.
All bookings operate on a first-come first-served basis. We do not operate waiting lists for bookings for future seasons, or currently booked-out facilities.
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.
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 Pāhautea 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 Pāhautea 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 Pāhautea Hut. There are climbing chains on difficult parts of the track.Duration 1 - 2 daysDifficulty Advanced
Location
Topo50 map sheet: BE33
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1783680, N5792835
It rains a lot on Pirongia – be prepared for cold, wet weather. Remember to:
- check the weather forecast and change your plans if needed
- plan which tracks you will take to and from the hut and carry a map
- pack warm and waterproof clothing
- pack enough food for an extra night
- take a fully charged mobile phone and a distress beacon.
No campfires allowed.
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 | |
| Kauaeranga Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 7 867 9080 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | kauaerangavc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
995C Kauaeranga Valley Road Thames 3577 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 343 Thames 3540 |
| Full office details | |