Department of Conservation | Te Papa Atawhai
https://www.doc.govt.nz/
https://www.doc.govt.nz/
Located in Ruahine Forest Park in the Manawatu/Whanganui region
Introduction
This is a basic two-bunk bivvy on the Ngamoko Range in the Manawatū/Whanganui area.Toka Bivvy (altitude 1320 m) sits on piles at the sheltered western edge of a basin. Located just below the Ngamoko ridgeline, it is a well-placed refuge from the often hostile weather on the tops.
A slow flowing alpine stream runs through the basin and there are good views of the Ngamoko Range and the Upper Pohangina Valley.
Due to boggy conditions around the hut 'swamp rafts' have been installed. A big thank you to the Backcountry Trust and their volunteers for completing this work.
History
The original Toka Bivvy was a classic NZFS B-49 “dog box” bivouac.
The bivvy was rebuilt in 2020 by the community with funding through the New Zealand Backcountry Trust.
Fees
Free
Toka Bivvy is a 4 hr 30 min tramp from Limestone road end or a 5-hr tramp from Oroua Carpark at Petersons Road nearby.
Driving to Limestone Road End or Oroua Carpark from Kimbolton (1 hr):
Head north from Kimbolton on Kimbolton Rd/Rangiwahia Rd. After 1.5 km turn right onto Apiti Rd (becomes Oroua Valley Road). After 17.8 km turn right onto Table Flat Rd, which turns into a gravel road. After 9.2 km turn left up the hill onto Petersons Road to get to Oroua Carpark or stay right and continue all the way to Limestone Road End.
Driving to Limestone Road End or Oroua Carpark from Mangaweka (30 min):
Just out of town towards Taihape, turn off SH1 onto Ruahine Rd. After 18.3 km, turn left onto Te Parapara Rd (Manawatū Scenic Route) and turn left onto Table Flat Rd after 17.4 km. From here follow the instructions above.
Tracks to this hut
Toka Bivvy can be accessed via an unmarked route from the Ngamoko Range. The closest access tracks to road ends from here are:
- Tunupo Highpoint Track
- Knights-Shorts Loop Track
Where to go from Toka Bivvy
Ngamoko Range: Climb up to the range via the unmarked route and from here, navigate the open tops to gain access to:
- Leon Kinvig Hut (3 hr 30 min)
- Top Gorge Hut (5 hr 30 min)
- Longview Hut (7 hr) or
- Iron Gate Hut (8 hr).
Location
NZTopo50 map sheet: BL36
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1862298, N5569518