Image: DOC
A small orange hut surrounded by forest, tramping gear hanging from the roof over the deck.
Makaretu Hut

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

This is a standard eight-bunk hut in the Hawke's Bay area.

Makaretu Hut was built in 1960 by the NZ Forest Service, and was upgraded by DOC in 2003. Situated on the south branch of the Makaretu River at an altitude of 600 m, Makaretu Hut is surrounded by beech forest.

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

From the park boundary, follow the track to the Makaretu River forks (2 hours) and follow the south fork for one hour to reach the hut.

It is possible to reach the park boundary from the Makaretu Road end by travelling up the Makaretu River, however permission is required from the landowner.

Tracks to this hut

Location

NZTopo50 map sheet: BL36
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1866000, N5567217