Anderson Memorial Hut
Located in Tararua Forest Park in the Wellington/Kapiti region
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Introduction
This is a standard six-bunk hut in the Kapiti region.Facilities
- Heating
- Mattresses
- Toilets - non-flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Anderson Memorial Hut is located between Junction Knob (1375 m) and Kahiwiroa peak (1320 m) and is part of the Main Range hut network. It is nestled in bush, but there are good views about 200 m north of the hut.It was built in 1978, in large part using materials recovered from the dismantled Mid-Otaki Hut.
The original hut was built on this site in 1948 by members of the Deer Control Section of Protection Forestry with materials flown in by the Ministry of Works Aerodrome Services. It was the first high-level hut to be air-dropped in New Zealand. It is named after the pilot – Oliver Anderson – who died a year later flying supplies into Fiordland deer cullers.
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
- Youth (5–17 years): $5 per night
- Child/Infant (0–4 years): free
Before you go, buy 1 Standard Hut Ticket (blue for adults, yellow for youth) for each night's stay. Put this 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.
About hut tickets and passes | Retailers that sell hut tickets and passes
Anderson Memorial Hut is best accessed from Otaki Forks on the western side of the Tararua Ranges, via Waitawaewae Hut.
Ōtaki Forks is 19 km inland from Ōtaki township – approximately 1 hr 30 min drive from Wellington or Palmerston North. The easiest turnoff from SH1 is at Ōtaki Gorge Road, just south of the SH1 bridge over the Ōtaki River. The last 5 km of the Gorge Rd is closed due to a slip. Access is by walking only.
There is an emergency track that you can walk to gain access to Ōtaki Forks. It is 5 km long and can be accessed 200 m past the locked gate on the Ōtaki Gorge Road.
Approximate times from nearest huts
- Waitewaewae Hut: 3−4 hr
- Maungahuka Hut: 6 hr
- Nichols Hut: 2 hr
Tracks to this hut
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Tararua Middle Crossing
Located in Tararua Forest ParkA challenging crossing of the Tararua Forest Park from Ōtaki Forks to Holdsworth, best suited to experienced trampers.Duration 4 daysDifficulty Advanced, Expert -
Tararua Peaks/Main Range Circuit
Located in Tararua Forest ParkA challenging circuit over the Tararua Peaks, suitable for experienced and well-equipped trampers.Duration 4-5 daysDifficulty Advanced, Expert
Location
NZTopo50 map sheet: BP33
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1798584, N5475884
Contacts
| Wellington/Kapiti information | |
| Phone: | +64 3 546 9339 |
| Email: | nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz |
| About: | Whakatū/Nelson Visitor Centre provides visitor information for this area |