Puketi Forest Hut
Located in Puketi and Omahuta Forests in the Northland region
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Introduction
This is a serviced 18-bed hut in the Puketi Recreation Area of the Puketi-Omahuta Forest, one of the largest continuous tracts of native forest in Northland.Facilities
- Cooking
- Heating
- Lighting
- Mattresses
- Toilets - non-flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Puketi Recreation Area Campsite is located nearby.
Facilities
- 18 beds (two-tier platform bunks)
- Cold tap water
- The water is not treated – you may wish to boil it before drinking
- Electricity
- Gas hob with wok burner
- Underbench fridge (small)
- Indoor fireplace (wood is sometimes available – check the wood store)
- Outdoor fireplaces at the campsite (due to the increased fire risks, use of the outdoor fireplaces are not allowed during summer)
- 1 cold shower
- 2 non-flush toilets
- Indoor tables
- Mattresses
Fees
Backcountry Hut Passes
Passes are valid for use in this hut from 1 May to 30 September. Passes won't be accepted from 1 October to 30 April.
- Adult (18+ years): $25 per night
- Youth (5–17 years): $12.50 per night
- Child/Infant (0–4 years): free
Hut tickets cannot be used in this hut.
Bookings
Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 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 are required all year.
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.
Bookings are limited to 7 consecutive nights.
The hut is ideal for large groups, however, it is available for anyone wishing to book it.
Your hut booking is for any bunk bed, not for a specific bunk bed – select your bunk bed on arrival.
For booking enquiries contact Kauaeranga Visitor Centre.
Puketi Hut is located in the Puketi Recreation Area next to the Puketi Recreation Area Campsite.
There are several places that you can access the recreation area from. The recommended entry point is from SH10 approximately 600 m north of the Waipapa Township.
Turn left along Pungaere Road past the sign directing you to the Puketi Forest Park. Follow Pungaere Road for approximately 15 km. Take care as part of the road is gravelled. At a T-intersection, turn left, follow the road for about 2 km. The entrance of the recreation area will be on your right.
If using alternative routes, refer to local maps as there is no DOC signage at other possible entry points to the Puketi Forest.
- There is vehicle access to the hut.
- The hut contains 18 bed spaces in two-tier platform bunks. It is recommended that children less than 12 years old should only sleep on the bottom beds due to risk of falling causing serious injury.
- No smoking inside the hut.
- The hut is locked. You will receive instructions on getting the access code in your booking confirmation letter.
- The hut must be locked when you leave.
- Due to the increased fire risks during summer, use of the outdoor fireplaces in the campground are currently not allowed.
- Domestic pets or animals are not permitted in or around the hut or campground.
- You must report all damages to the local DOC office.
- Education groups are welcome to get in touch as DOC staff can share their knowledge to improve your experience.
You need to bring:
- Bedding and linen
- Cutlery, plates, cups and all cooking utensils
- Personal hygiene equipment
- Cleaning supplies and equipment
- All rubbish needs to be packed out on leaving
Check in/out times
Check in time: Between 12 pm and 4 pm
Check out time: Between 8 am and noon
Contacts
| DOC Customer Service Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | 0800 275 362 |
| bayofislands@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | DOC offices |