Te Puia Hut (Lodge)

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

Te Puia Hut provides a great overnight tramp for families with children or new trampers.

Te Puia Hut lies on the banks of the scenic Mohaka River – swim, fish for trout, or keep a look out for the rare blue duck/whio. From the hut, walk to Mangatainoka Hot Springs for a soak.

The hut is a popular destination for day trips, overnight and longer tramps, as well as for hunters.

Facilities

  • Bunks – platform (shared) bunks with mattresses
  • Water supply: cold water from a rain collection tank – boil water before consumption
  • Heating: woodburner – as wood is flown in via helicopter it is not always available, resupply typically occurs during winter months.
  • Solar lighting in the communal kitchen area
  • Long drop toilet a short walk from the hut
  • Space for camping outside the hut
  • Two gas cookers are supplied, each has two hobs however one hob is non-functional  
Huts have basic facilities. You'll need to take:
  • Sleeping bag
  • Cooking stove, pots/pans and utensils
  • Toilet paper
  • Rubbish bag
  • Newspaper/firelighters and matches/lighter for the wood burner/fire
  • Torch

Heritage

The original lodge was constructed in 1973 but was destroyed by fire within a short time of completion. It was replaced by a similar lodge in 1975 and upgraded in 1994.

Fees

  • Adult (18+ years): $25 per night
  • Child/youth (5–17 years): $12.50 per night
  • Infant (0–4 years): free

Before you go, buy 1 Serviced Hut Ticket (green) or 1 Serviced Youth Hut Tickets (red) for each night's stay. Put these in the honesty box at the hut. Or buy a Backcountry Hut Pass for unlimited use at most Serviced and Standard huts for a 12 month period.

About hut tickets and passes | Retailers that sell hut tickets and passes

Walking

  • From Makahu Road: 2–3 hr
  • From Makino Hut: 1 hr 30 min

Getting to Makahu Road

Makahu Road is 75 km north-west of Napier. From Napier follow Puketitiri Road for 40 km before turning right into Pakaututu Road. Makahu Road is 9 km on the left.

At the very end of the road, 500 metres from the Mangatutu Hot Springs and camping area, is "The Gums" parking area and shelter. The tracks to Te Puia Lodge and Mangatainoka Hot Springs begin here.

The trip involves about 1 hr of travel on unsealed gravel roads. There is a river ford on Makahu Road 7.5 km from the road end – heavy rain and snow melt can affect the water level.

Makahu Road is steep and narrow in places. It may be slippery when wet. Take extra caution driving this road.

The road is not suitable for caravans or campervans.

Check with Hasting's District Council for road closures.

Tracks to this hut

Location

NZTopo50 map sheet: BH37
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1894574, N5658562

Wasp populations may increase in the warmer months – wear light-coloured clothing and carry appropriate medication.

Climate: The hut can experience brief snowfalls during cold southerly weather and strong westerly winds.