Description

This is a standard 20-bunk hut in the Tararua Forest Park in the Wairarapa region. Fees apply. Bookings not required - first come, first served. Facilities include heating, mattresses, non-flush toilets and water (not treated - boil before use). Alpha Hut is located at a height of 1116 m, just below the bushline in the eastern Tararua Forest Park. It is one of the traditional overnight shelters for the classic Southern Crossing. Alpha Hut is best accessed from the carpark on Kiwi Ranch Road, off Marchant Road in Upper Hutt. From State Highway 2, turn on to Marchant Road just east of where the highway crosses the Pakuratahi River. Follow this for approximately 2.5 km then turn on to Kiwi Ranch Road at the entrance to Camp Kaitoke. From the carpark, the track climbs through stunted silver beech along Marchant Ridge, over Omega and through the saddle of Hells Gate to Alpha Hut. Approximate times from nearest road and huts Marchant Road end: 79 hr Cone Hut: 3 hr Kime Hut: 34 hr 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 6 or 12-month period.