Image: Sharon Hart | Creative Commons
Exterior of Tutuwai Hut.
Tutuwai Hut

Located in Tararua Forest Park in the Wairarapa and Wellington/Kapiti regions

This is a 20-bunk hut in the Tauherenikau Valley. The hut can be accessed from either Waiohine Gorge roadend in Wairarapa or Kaitoke/Marchant Roads north of Upper Hutt.

DOC has changed the service standard category for Tutuwai Hut from Serviced to Standard hut.This means firewood is no longer be provided.

Tutuwai Hut sits alongside the Tauherenikau River.

Facilities

  • Bunks – sleeps 20 on platform (shared) bunks with mattresses. Bunks are partially divided from the living/dining area by partition walls.
  • Water supply via inside taps that provide cold water from a rain collection tank.
  • Heating – wood burner.
  • Long drop toilet a short walk from the hut.

Fees

  • Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
  • Youth (5–17 years): $5 per night
  • Child/Infant (0–4 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 12 month period.

About hut tickets and passes | Retailers that sell hut tickets and passes

Tutuwai is a popular hut on the Holdsworth - Kaitoke Track and can be reached from either Waiohine or Marchant Roads.

Approximate times from nearest roads and hut
  • Marchant Road end: 7-8 hr
  • Cone Hut: 1 hr

Be aware access is no longer available from Waiohine Valley Road via Reeves Track.

Tracks to this hut

Location

NZTopo50 map sheet: BP33
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1795505, N5457535