What do you want from a hut or bivvy? Here, I rate crash pads on comfort, character, accessibility and situation. Each is given a score out of 5.
Although not a “hut bagger”, this frontcountry tramper is starting to have visited a number of huts and bivvies. So I thought I’d put together a list of those I’ve visited, to help you make decisions about which trips and digs might be the best for you.
I’ve scored each hut or bivouac on four criteria. Each criterion has a maximum of five points—so for each hut there are 20 points up for grabs in total.
- Comfort – gimme heating, mattresses, clean loos, porches for dirty gear or nice verandas.
- Character – I’m about history, cosiness, quirkiness, and charm.
- Accessibility – how easy is it to get there? Points for ease of access.
- Situation – extra kudos for sun, sweeping scenery or appealing swimming spots.
Te Ika-a-Māui | North Island
| Hut | Total | Comfort | Character | Accessibility | Situation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waihohonu Hut | 13 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 5 | Modern, great views of the volcanoes. |
| Makahu Saddle Hut | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | Unloved and prone to vandalism. Save for emergencies. |
| Dominie Bivouac | 13 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 5 | A cute bivvy with great views over the Hawkes Bay hinterland. |
| Top Gorge Hut | 6 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | A cute four-bunker, but very dark and cold in winter—and the open fireplace doesn’t help. |
| Iron Gates Hut | 16 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | Warm and welcoming, and a good place to spot whio. |
| Toka Bivouac | 14 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 4 | A classic “dog box” bivvy, this two-bunk beauty was recently spruced up by the Backcountry Trust. It still retains a “thunderbox” (look it up!). |
| Burn Hut | 17 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 5 | One of my favourites, this six-bunker looks out over the Manawatū and Horowhenua hinterland. |
| Waiopehu Hut | 17 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | A modern, larger hut with sweeping sunset views—good for people new to tramping. |
| Herepai Hut | 13 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | Recently refurbished with skylights, Herepai is cute and cosy, but lacks views. |
| Dundas Hut | 12 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 5 | Apparently this small hut (6 bunks) has incredible views… unfortunately it’s prone to Tararua clag! |
| Cattle Ridge Hut | 17 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 5 | A very attractive hut, with a porch and convivial common area. Five bunks. |
| Roaring Stag Hut | 18 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | A family favourite for years, Roaring Stag is characterful and accessible. Great camping and chilly river swims adjacent. |
| Atiwhakatu Hut | 18 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | A beautiful hut, with a bunk dormitory and smaller rooms for families and snorers. |
| Jumbo Hut | 11 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Excellent sunrise views over the Wairarapa, but the hut is let down by being a bit damp and grotty. |
| Powell Hut | 16 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 5 | Slick and modern, Powell is the largest hut in the Tararua Ranges. It’s perfect for first-time trampers, has gas rings and tremendous views, but is perhaps a little soulless. |
| McGregor Bivouac | 14 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 5 | A wonderful bivouac with wonderful views—if you’re happy to be somewhere remote. |
| Kapakapanui Hut | 14 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | A lovely hut on a lovely circuit, complete with a porch for removing wet gear. Six bunks. |
| Blue Range Hut | 17 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 5 | An absolute favourite, tiny Blue Range Hut has a picnic table and is characterised by Masterton Hospital’s old signs and historic maps from the area. |
| Mitre Flats Hut | 14 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | A somewhat nondescript hut, but one with lovely camping and swimming at the doorstep. A great summer option. |
| Totara Flats Hut | 18 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 5 | An excellent hut for first- and second-timers, with superb camping nearby and a swing bridge for fun. |
| Cone Hut | 15 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 3 | One of my faves. Constructed from tōtara slabs, quaint Cone is one of the oldest huts in the Tararua Ranges and all the more charming for it. |
| Tutuwai Hut | 15 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | A pleasant valley hut with a common area separating two dormitories. |
| Turere Lodge | 15 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 3 | A large lodge with four private rooms. Pots, pans, cutlery… everything under the sun. |
Te Waipounamu | South Island
Coming soon….
