Waitawheta Hut
Located in Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park in the Bay of Plenty region
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Introduction
This is a serviced 26-bunk hut in the Tauranga area.Facilities
- Heating
- Mattresses
- Toilets - non-flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Facilities and services
There are two bunkrooms, a separate dining/lounge area, and a generous deck outside. The grassy area around the hut provides plenty of space for camping.
A hut warden is present most weekends during the summer season.
Cooking facilities are not provided at the hut, so you must bring your own stove and utensils.
Hut and campsite rules
Don't clear undergrowth or scrub to create tent sites or bivouacs – it's harmful to our native plants. It's also a criminal offence so alert DOC as soon as possible if you witness this behaviour occurring.
No rubbish collection is available so all waste must be carried out with you.
Pets are not allowed at the hut, including dogs. Dogs are not allowed in the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park except for permitted hunters with hunting dogs.
Fees
Sunday to Friday
- Adult (18+ years): $25 per night
- Child/youth (5-17 years): $12.50 per night
- Infant (0-4 years): free
Saturday
- Adult (18+ years): $30 per night
- Child/youth (5–17 years): $15 per night
- Infant: (0-4 years): free
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 2025.
All bookings are first-come first-served. We do not have waiting lists for bookings for future seasons or facilities that are already booked-out.
Bookings are required all year to stay in the hut or campsite.
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.
Take your booking confirmation with you - proof of purchase is required.
For booking enquiries contact Kauaeranga Visitor Centre.
The hut is reached via Waitawheta Tramway, which starts about 11 km from Waihi.
In Waihi, turn off SH 2 onto Kenny Street. Turn right into Victoria Street and follow this as it becomes Frankton Road, then Waitawheta Road. After about 9 km, turn off Waitawheta Road into Franklin Road. Follow this to the parking area at the end.
Tracks to this hut
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North-South Track
Located in Kaimai Mamaku Conservation ParkThis is a multi-day tramp using rugged, unmarked routes suitable for expert backcountry trampers only. Trampers will need to camp in addition to staying in huts.1 alertDuration 5 - 7 daysDifficulty Expert -
![Waitawheta Tramway]()
Waitawheta Tramway
Located in Kaimai Mamaku Conservation ParkFollow an old tramline (1898 - 1928) on a relatively flat track through the spectacular Waitawheta Gorge - with interpretation panels as well, it's a great option for kids.2 alertsDuration 8 hr (return), 3-4 hrs one wayDifficulty Intermediate
Location
NZTopo50 map sheet: BC35
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1847987, N5843046
Weather forecast
Contacts
| DOC Customer Service Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | 0800 275 362 |
| taurangainfo@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | DOC offices |