The first Waikamaka hut was planned and built in 1939. It was designed by Chris Higgs.
By 1966 the stream near the hut had started to undermine it and it was decided to rebuild it at the present site, up on the small terrace.
Some of the framing from the previous hut was used again. It is good that the hut was moved, the fireplace from the old hut has now disappeared under the shingle in the creek below.
In 1982 - 1983 a potbelly stove was carried to the hut in pieces, and the hut was fully lined inside and painted.
In 2016, the Heretaunga Tramping Club upgraded the hut with a new deck, veranda with a wood storage space and a rainwater tank.
Fees
Backcountry Hut Passes and Backcountry Hut Tickets cannot be used at this hut.
This hut is owned and maintained by the Heretaunga Tramping Club.
For overnight stays donations should be sent to:
Heretaunga Tramping Club
316 Te Aute Rd, RD2
Hastings 4172
Email: tramphtc@gmail.com
Online banking details:
Name: Heretaunga Tramping Club
Account number: 03-0642-0802494-00
North Block Road to Waipawa Forks hut via Sunrise Track: 1.5 – 2 hours, 4.5 km
North Block Road to Waipawa Forks hut via Waipawa River: 1.5 – 2 hours, 4.5 km
Waipawa Forks Hut to Waikamaka hut: 3.5 – 4 hours, 5 km
Getting to this hut contains river route. Note that 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.
Waikamaka Hut is accessed from North Block Road. From State Highway 50, turn towards the Ranges onto Wakarara Road. After 20 km, turn left into North Block Road and continue to the road end. The last 4 km of this road is through private farmland – do not disturb stock and leave gates as you found them.
North Block Road to Waipawa Forks hut via Sunrise Track
Follow Sunrise Track for approximately 1 hour, then take a left turn down towards the Waipawa River and Waipawa Forks hut. Follow the track for 45 minutes until you reach the river, then turn upriver towards Waikamaka Hut.
North Block Road to Waipawa Forks hut via Waipawa River
Proceed upriver from the carpark following an unmarked river route for 1.5 – 2 hours. Note that this river route is not a DOC managed track or route. Do not expect DOC markers or track formation.
Waipawa Forks Hut to Waikamaka hut
Follow the river upstream until you reach the headwaters. From here the track climbs steeply to Waipawa Saddle, before dropping into a stream on the other side – use extreme caution here as sections of the track are steep, narrow and exposed.
Follow this stream down the valley for another 1 hour until you reach Waikamaka Hut on the true left bank, where the east and south branches of the Waikamaka River meet.
This is a backcountry hut with no DOC track access. You will need to plan your route and navigate yourself, using aids like a map, compass and GPS. Learn navigation skills.
Location
NZTopo50 map sheet: BK36
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1868296, N5588430
Stay safe when crossing rivers
If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.
Do not cross if the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.
DOC Customer Service Centre
| Phone: | 0800 275 362 |
| Email: | manawatu@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: | Te Papaioea / Palmerston North Office |