Image: DOC
Aerial view of Waiopehu Hut.
Waiopehu Hut

Located in Tararua Forest Park in the Wellington/Kapiti region

This is a standard 18-bunk backcountry hut in the Horowhenua region.

Waiopehu Hut sits on the bushline at 900 m. On clear days, there are good views across the plains and east to the Tararua high peaks.

The hut is managed by the Levin Waiopehu Tramping Club. Email contact is Tramping@LWTC.org.nz

Hut history

The first Waiopehu Hut was built by the Levin Waiopehu Tramping Club in 1928. In 1936, a severe storm destroyed the hut so a second hut was built and officially opened on 17 May 1947. In March 2002, DOC acquired 100 ha of private land along Waiopehu Ridge, including much of the track and hut site. On 11 May 2002, a third hut was opened at a new site a little further up the ridge.

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

The hut is best accessed from Levin on the western side of the Tararua Forest Park.

Poads Road road end to Waiopehu Hut:

  • The first kilometre of the track is across private farmland before the park boundary is reached.
  • At the park boundary, turn right on to the Waiopehu Hut to Ōhau track. 
  • Follow this track for around 8 km to reach Waiopehu Hut.

Times from nearest road and hut

Tracks to this hut

Location

NZTopo50 map sheet: BN33
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates:  E1799060, N5488950