Date:  10 December 2024

One of the oldest huts in Te Papa-Kura o Taranaki, Pouākai Hut sits just below the junction of the Mangorei and Pouākai Tracks on the Pouākai Range. Offering northward views across the Taranaki coastline, the 16-bunk hut has sheltered generations of day walkers and overnight trampers since it was built in 1981.

The original hut has been dismantled, and the start of construction marks a new phase of development for the Taranaki Crossing.

The project is funded by Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit’s Provincial Growth Fund ($13.4 million), with additional funding to support the project provided by the Department of Conservation ($3.4 million).

The Taranaki Crossing Project is a partnership between Ngā Iwi o Taranaki, DOC, and Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit. All three partners are excited for the construction of a new Pouākai Hut.

DOC Hauraki-Waikato-Taranaki Regional Director Tinaka Mearns says Pouākai Hut has traditionally been the busiest in the national park, with a 95% occupancy rate in the busy summer period.

“After years of service Pouākai Hut is now showing signs of considerable wear and tear – and with demand for overnight stays increasing, it’s appropriate to provide visitors with a facility that is fit-for purpose,” says Tinaka.

Liana Poutu, Co-Chair of the project and Ngā Iwi o Taranaki representative, says the replacement work is a significant component of the Taranaki Crossing Project.

“The increased capacity of the hut will assist in managing the safety and environmental impact of increased visitor numbers to the area,” says Liana.

“The new hut will provide a facility not only for increasing visitor numbers, but also opportunity for visitors to engage in the cultural narrative for the hut’s design”

Taranaki Iwi Representative Jacqui King says mana whenua have been involved since the start in helping shape the design to honour ngā maunga and manaaki for manuhiri throughout.

“Collaborating closely with DOC, the process has come up with a building that ensures the hut’s footprint is no larger than the existing site to lessen the impact on the taiao,” says Jacqui. "This was balanced with the need to ensure manuhiri have the necessary manaaki and extended facilities to cope with the growing visitor numbers.

“Ngā Mahanga a Tairi’s cultural narrative is being developed in readiness for the final stages of the build to help deepen manuhiri connection and respect for ngā maunga. As tangata whenua, we are looking forward to sharing these stories with the wider community.”

The Mangorei Track to Pouākai Tarns will remain open throughout construction, with the track re-routed around the active work site. Visitors are asked to follow the advice of signage or workers on site to keep everyone safe.

Pouākai Hut has been temporarily removed from the DOC booking system while works are underway, and camping will not be permitted. Tinaka says while temporary toilets have been established, there will be no water on site, so visitors should come prepared for the changed conditions.

“We expect to open the new Pouākai Hut to be open to visitors in May 2025, with bookings reopening closer to the time,” says Tinaka. “Like all our work on the maunga, this project relies on good weather, so we can’t set a firm date for completion. However, we will provide updates on this mahi as it progresses.”

Construction of the new Pouākai Hut is being undertaken by Taranaki-based firms, further supporting the Taranaki Crossing Project’s economic goals.

Background information

The Taranaki Crossing was initiated via a feasibility study on the economic development strategy for Taranaki in 2017.

When the work is completed, the visitor experience on the mountain will reflect the relationship between DOC, mana whenua and the maunga itself.

The Taranaki Crossing project will also strengthen connections to the maunga’s natural and cultural heritage, enhance biodiversity and provide opportunities for local people, including iwi, to express their kaitiakitanga of the mountain by sharing their stories.

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