Image: Kevin Hutchens | ©
Omaru Hut.
Oamaru Hut

Located in Kaimanawa Forest Park in the Central North Island region

This standard 12-bunk hut in the Kaimanawa Forest Park is a good base for hunting sika deer and fishing.

Oamaru Hut sits on a small hill overlooking the confluence of the Kaipo, Mohaka and Oamaru rivers. 

The New Zealand Deerstalkers Association has developed a working relationship with the DOC where the club is helping with regular service checks and maintenance of the hut in partnership with DOC rangers. The relationship is win-win, as the deerstalkers get transport and access into the park and can stay on to hunt, and rangers are freed up for other work, such as clearing windfall.

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 passesRetailers that sell hut tickets and passes

Walking access: The hut can be reached by foot from either Clements Mill Road or Taharua Road ends. 

Helicopter access: A permit is required to land at Oamaru Hut. To apply for a permit contact the DOC Tūrangi Office. For a list of approved helipcpter operators, see Kaimanawa Forest Park.

Tracks to this hut

Location

NZTopo50 map sheet: BH37
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1882365, N5669691

Care should be taken crossing the Mohaka River especially during and after heavy rain.