Manson Hut

Located in Kaweka Forest Park in the Hawke’s Bay region

Manson Hut is located in the lower central section of the area known as the “Manson Country”.
  • Wood/coal burning stove suitable for cooking
  • Bench and seating forms
  • Rainwater supply from tank
  • Axe, shovel and broom
  • Meat safe
  • Long drop style toilet
  • Dog kennel (special conditions)

Manson Hut is located in the lower central section of the area known as the “Manson Country”. This area is separated from the rest of the Kaweka Forest Park by the Ngaruroro River. 

Built in 1972 this hut’s original standard hut design was upgraded in 2003 with a large, covered veranda and interior modifications. Manson Hut is a comfortable base for many hunting opportunities and a tramping stop-over point for exploring the more remote western areas of the Kaweka Forest Park. 

At 1280 metres altitude, the hut is positioned on a level site below a ridge and sited at the edge of the steep stream gully. Relatively sheltered from the strong westerly winds common to this area, the hut can experience a wide range of climatic conditions which can include brief snowfalls during cold southerly weather and heavy winter frosts.

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

Helicopter

The helipad is located 20 metres in front of the hut. Flight availability and costs can be obtained from helicopter concessionaires in the central North Island.

Walking

Otutu Hut (2.5 – 3.5 hr)

From Otutu Hut a marked track crosses Manson Creek before turning east and climbing up to Mt Manson (1448 metres). The track then heads south to Manson Hut.

Rocks Ahead Hut (3.5 hr)

From Rocks Ahead Hut, the track steeply ascends up onto Spion Kop where a poled route leads west to Manson Hut, via Mount Manson (1448 metres altitude).

Kiwi Mouth Hut (2.5 – 3.5 hr)

From Kiwi Mouth Hut, a marked track heads south west (downstream of the Ngaruroro River) crossing the river by swingbridge and climbs steadily up to Manson Hut (4.5 km) taking 2.5 – 3.5 hours. Caution should be applied to travel in this area, especially the open tops, when poor visibility is often accompanied by high winds and cold temperatures.

Tramping

Tramping routes are provided to Rocks Ahead Hut in the east, Otutu Hut to the north or onto to Kiwi Mouth Hut in the south.

Location

NZTopo50 map sheet: BJ37
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1881134, N5645285