Downes Hut
Located in Whanganui National Park in the Manawatu/Whanganui region
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Introduction
This is a serviced five-bunk hut in the Whanganui region.Facilities
- Heating
- Mattresses
- Toilets - non-flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
5 bunk beds
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $25 per night
- Child/youth (5–17 years): $12.50 per night
- Infant (0–4 years): free
Before you go, buy 1 Serviced Hut Ticket (green) or 1 Serviced Youth Hut Tickets (red) for each night's stay. Put these in the honesty box at the hut. Or buy a Backcountry Hut Pass for unlimited use at most Serviced and Standard huts for a 12 month period.
About hut tickets and passes | Retailers that sell hut tickets and passes
Te Araroa – the Trail Pass
Registered Te Araroa Trail walkers should purchase the Trail Pass for Te Araroa.
Location
NZTopo50 map sheet: BK33
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1782660, N5600502
- No fires are permitted at this campground
- Boil, filter or treat water if you doubt its purity
- There is no cellphone coverage on the Whanganui River.
- Wasps are a known hazard and are particularly common from January until May. Carry antihistamine if you are allergic to their stings
Weather
- New Zealand's weather can be highly unpredictable - expect weather changes and be prepared for them. More information: Check the Whanganui rural area weather forecast of the MetService website.
On the Whanganui River
- Heavy rain and flooding can occur at any time of year on the Whanganui River and the weather can change quickly. You will need to be prepared for rain, cold and windy conditions.
- Don’t canoe the river when water levels are predicted to rise or it is in flood – you won't be charged for staying an extra night at a campsite or hut due to high river levels.
If you capsize, you may not be able to get back in, or swim to the river’s edge. - Canoeing into the wind can be demanding – allow extra travelling time between stopovers in windy conditions.
To make better progress under south-westerly wind conditions, paddle your canoe along the river edges. - Always pull your canoe up high on the bank and tie it to something secure. It may not be raining on the river, but rain elsewhere in the large catchment can cause the river to rise several metres overnight.
Contacts
| DOC Customer Service Centre | |
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| Phone | 0800 275 362 |
| whanganui@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | DOC offices |