Department of Conservation | Te Papa Atawhai
https://www.doc.govt.nz/
https://www.doc.govt.nz/
Located in Pirongia Forest Park in the Waikato region
Introduction
This is a standard 20-bunk hut with a campers' shelter on Mt Pirongia in the Waikato area.Image gallery
This hut sits right next to Pāhautea Hut Campsite.
Facilities and services
The hut sleeps 20 people on platform bunks in two bunkrooms. It has mattresses and a water supply, but no heating or cooking facilities – take a portable cooker.
Nearby, there are campsites and a camping shelter.
Name of the hut
The hut takes its name from nearby pāhautea trees (mountain cedar – Libocedrus bidwilli) growing at the northern edge of their natural range. These trees are aged between 600 and 700 years old.
Fees
Hut
Sunday to Friday
- Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
- Child/youth (5-17 years): $5 per night
- Infant (0-4 years): free
Saturday
- Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
- Child/youth (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
- Infant: (0-4 years): free
Camping
- Adult (18+ years): free
- Child/youth (5–17 years): free
- Infant (0–4 years): free
For both the hut and campsite, you must book. Even though the campsites are free of charge, a booking is required to secure your place.
Backcountry Hut Passes can be used at this hut.
About hut tickets and passes | Retailers that sell hut tickets and passes
Bookings
Bookings for 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026
Bookings open at 9.30 am on Tuesday 13 May 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 for stays up to 30 June 2025
Bookings are currently open.
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.
Tracks to this hut
- Located in Pirongia Forest ParkCombine this track with Tahuanui Track for an overnight circuit to Pāhautea Hut and Mount Pirongia.
Bell Track
Duration: 6 - 10 hrDifficulty: Advanced - Located in Pirongia Forest ParkHihikiwi Track is the shortest track to Pāhautea Hut and Pirongia summit. Walk to the lookout point on Mount Pirongia for one of the best vantage points over the west coast harbours. This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.
Hihikiwi Track
Duration: 3 - 4 hr one way to the lookout | 4 - 6 hr one way to the summitDifficulty: Advanced
Location
Topo50 map sheet: BE33
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1783680, N5792835
It rains a lot on Pirongia – be prepared for cold, wet weather. Remember to:
- check the weather forecast and change your plans if needed
- plan which tracks you will take to and from the hut and carry a map
- pack warm and waterproof clothing
- pack enough food for an extra night
- take a fully charged mobile phone and a distress beacon.
No campfires allowed.