Pahautea Hut with campers shelter
Image: DOC
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.Image gallery
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View of the central plateau mountains from Pahautea Hut at sunrise
View of the central plateau mountains from Pahautea Hut at sunrise
...Image: Sean Willcock | Creative Commons
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Hut overview
Facilities
- Mattresses
- Toilets - non-flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
About this 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.
Getting there
The hut is at the junction of Bell and Hihikiwi Tracks, close to the summit of Mt Pirongia.
Tracks to the hut
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Pirongia summit via Bell & Tahuanui Tracks
Located in Pirongia Forest ParkCombine these tracks for an overnight circuit to Pahautea Hut and Mount Pirongia.1 current alertDuration 1 - 2 daysDifficulty Advanced -
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
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
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $5 per night
- Youth (11 – 17 years): $2.50 per night
- Child/Infant (0 – 10 years): free
Before you go, buy 1 Standard Hut Ticket (blue for adults, yellow for youth) for each night's stay. Put this in the honesty box at the hut. Or buy a Backcountry Hut Pass that gives unlimited use at most Standard and Serviced huts for a 6 or 12-month period.
Know before you go
- 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 | |