Image: DOC
Aerial view of Pāhautea Hut with campers shelter.
Pāhautea Hut

Located in Pirongia Forest Park in the Waikato region

This is a standard 20-bunk hut with a campers' shelter on Mt Pirongia in the Waikato area.

This hut sits right next to Pāhautea Hut Campsite.

Facilities and services

The hut sleeps 20 people on platform bunks in two bunkrooms. It has mattresses and a water supply, but no heating or cooking facilities – take a portable cooker.

Nearby, there are campsites and a camping shelter.

Name of the hut

The hut takes its name from nearby pāhautea trees (mountain cedar – Libocedrus bidwilli) growing at the northern edge of their natural range. These trees are aged between 600 and 700 years old.

Fees

Hut

Sunday to Friday
  • Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
  • Child/youth (5-17 years): $5 per night
  • Infant (0-4 years): free
Saturday
  • Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
  • Child/youth (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
  • Infant: (0-4 years): free

Camping

  • Adult (18+ years): free
  • Child/youth (5–17 years): free
  • Infant (0–4 years): free

For both the hut and campsite, you must book. Even though the campsites are free of charge, a booking is required to secure your place.

Backcountry Hut Passes can be used at this hut. To pay with your Backcountry Hut Pass, create/update your account on our booking system. Under 'Apply for a discount', select 'Backcountry Hut Pass Holder' and upload a scan of your pass. Once we've verified your pass, it will automatically be applied when you make a booking.

Bookings

Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2025.

All bookings are first-come first-served. We do not have waiting lists for bookings for future seasons or facilities that are already booked-out.

Book Pāhautea Hut and campsite online.

A $10 service fee applies to phone and in-person booking. This is a limited service – book online first. An in-person booking is dependent on there being space available.

Your hut booking is for any bunk bed, not for a specific bunk bed – select your bunk bed on arrival.

Tracks to this hut

Location

Topo50 map sheet: BE33
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1783680, N5792835

It rains a lot on Pirongia – be prepared for cold, wet weather. Remember to:

  • check the weather forecast and change your plans if needed
  • plan which tracks you will take to and from the hut and carry a map
  • pack warm and waterproof clothing
  • pack enough food for an extra night
  • take a fully charged mobile phone and a distress beacon.

No campfires allowed.