Happy Daze Hut
Located in Ruahine Forest Park in the Hawke’s Bay region
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Introduction
This is a basic three-bunk hut in the Hawke's Bay region. This site also offers plenty of camping space.Facilities
- Heating
- Mattresses
- Toilets - non-flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
- Water source - Rainwater tank
- Heating - open fire
Happy Daze was originally built by Stacker Johnston in January 1958 as a private recreational hut. The area the hut inhabits was known as Māori Flat due to the former presence of a pā site there. The land was purchased by the crown in the 1960s.
Fees
Free
No DOC tracks lead to Happy Daze Hut. Visitors should not expect DOC track markers or formed tracks.
Access via the Makaretu River from Kashmir Road
The hut can be accessed via the Makaretu River from Kashmir Road-end via Awatere Hut or from Makaretu Hut. Leave the river at the junction of the North and South Makaretu Rivers, then climb steeply before sidling across to Happy Daze Hut.
Access via private farmland from Paget/Ellison Road
This access is currently closed.
Location
NZTopo50 map sheet: BL36
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1868201, N5567818
Stay safe when crossing rivers
If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.
Do not cross if the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.
This hut is resourced for minimal maintenance. To join the community helping to maintain huts in the Ruahine Forest Park, email manawatu@doc.govt.nz or join the Ruahine User Group forum.
Contacts
| DOC Customer Service Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | 0800 275 362 |
| manawatu@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | DOC offices |