Image: Craig Harrison | DOC
Waipawa Forks Hut.
Waipawa Forks Hut

Located in Ruahine Forest Park in the Manawatu/Whanganui and Hawke’s Bay regions

This is a standard 12-bunk hut in the Hawke's Bay region.

Waipawa Forks hut is a large hut that is a popular recreational destination for day trips or weekend visits. The original hut was constructed in 1970 by the New Zealand Forest Service. It is 790m above sea level.

Fees

  • Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
  • Youth (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
  • Child/Infant (0–4 years): free

Before you go, buy Hut Tickets for each night's stay. Put these 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.

Booking and paying | Backcountry Hut Tickets | Retailers that sell hut tickets and passes

Waipawa Forks Hut can be accessed from two tracks:

  • North Block Road to Waipawa Forks Hut via Waipawa Forks Hut Track: 2 hr, 4.5 km one way
  • North Block Road to Waipawa Forks Hut via Waipawa River.

Waipawa Forks Hut via Waipawa River

Time: 2 hr one way
Distance: 4.5 km one way

From the carpark follow an unmarked river route. This river route is not a DOC managed track or route. Do not expect DOC markers or track formation.

It’s dangerous to cross or follow the river when the water level is high which can occur during or after heavy rain. How to cross rivers safely.

Tracks to this hut

Location

NZTopo50 map sheet: BK36
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1871898, N5589732